Which of the following is a difference between fixed ratio reinforcement schedules and variable ratio reinforcement schedules?
A) Fixed ratio reinforcement schedules are a type of continuous reinforcement schedules, whereas variable ratio reinforcement schedules are a type of intermittent reinforcement schedules.
B) Fixed ratio reinforcement schedules are based on time, whereas variable ratio reinforcement schedules are based on behaviors.
C) Unlike fixed ratio reinforcement schedules, with variable ratio reinforcement schedules, consequences follow a behavior after different times, some shorter and some longer, that vary around a specified average time.
D) Unlike fixed ratio reinforcement schedules, with variable ratio reinforcement schedules, consequences are delivered following a different number of behaviors that vary around a specified average number of behaviors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fixed ratio reinforcement schedules deliver a reinforcement after a fixed and specified number of behaviors, whereas in variable ratio reinforcement schedules, the specified number varies around an average. Therefore, option D is correct. Option A is incorrect because both fixed ratio and variable ratio reinforcement schedules are types of intermittent reinforcement schedules, and not continuous. Option B is incorrect because both fixed ratio and variable ratio reinforcement schedules are based on behaviors. Option C is incorrect because it describes variable interval reinforcement schedules, which are not being compared in the question.

Which of the Following Is a Difference Between Fixed Ratio