Suppose that a subject is shifted from a low fixed ratio schedule (few responses required to earn a reinforcer) to a higher fixed ratio schedule (more responses required to earn a reinforcer). Which of the following is most likely to be the result?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a subject is shifted from a low fixed ratio schedule to a higher fixed ratio schedule, they are likely to increase their overall rate of responding as they strive to earn the reinforcer. This increase in responding is known as a ratio strain, and it can be observed as the subject takes longer pauses between responding in order to recover from the effort that was just made. There is no indication that extinction is likely to occur, and the power of the reinforcer does not change in response to the ratio schedule.

Suppose That a Subject Is Shifted from a Low Fixed