In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio program is a program of reinforcement Where a response is reinforced after an number of answers. This schedule produces a steady rate of responding. Lottery and gambling games are great examples of a reward.
Schedules of reinforcement play a central role in the air-conditioning process. The frequency with can help determine how powerful the response may be and how quickly a response is learned. Each program of reinforcement has its own set of characteristics.
Characteristics
There are 3 variables that are well-known:
- Contributes to a high, stable response speed
- Results in just a brief pause after reinforcement
- Rewards are provided after an unpredictable number of answers
When it may be quite Helpful by taking a look at the title of the schedule itself to start. In the event of schedules, the expression factor indicates that reinforcement is delivered following an number of answers. Ratio implies that the reinforcement is given after a number of responses. So the expression means that reinforcement is delivered following a number of responses.
It could also be useful to contrast the variable-ratio program of reinforcement with the fixed-ratio program of reinforcement. After a number of responses, reinforcement is provided in a program.
Thus, for example, at a schedule using a VR 5 program, An animal might be given a reward for each five reaction. This means that the payoff can come after seven answers, sometimes after three answers after five answers, etc. The actual delivery schedule will remain inconsistent, although the reinforcement program will average out to be rewarded for each five reaction.
In a schedule, the reinforcement, on the other hand Schedule may be set at a FR 5. This would indicate that there is a reward introduced. The program is set at a predetermined speed, where the program is unpredictable.
Variable-Ratio Program
- Reinforcement supplied after set of answers
- Delivery schedule unpredictable
- Examples include slot machines, video games, door-to-door sales
Fixed-Ratio Program
- Reinforcement supplied after a set number of responses
- Delivery schedule predictable
- Examples include production line work, grade card wages
Examples
- Slot machines: Players have no way of understanding Many times until they win, they must play. Is that A drama will triumph. This is why slot machines are powerful, And gamers are reluctant to stop. There is the Possibility that the coin that they put in are the one that is winning.
- Revenue bonuses: Call Centers provide workers bonuses. Workers never know how Many calls they understand that, although they have to make to get the bonus That the earnings or calls increase their chances they make.
- Door-to-door revenue: The Partners journeys from house to house, but never knows when they’re going to find an interested buyer. It could be it, or the home Might take stops to discover a new customer.
- Video games: In some games, things in order collect to Be given a reward or reach another level. The participant may not know how Many tokens so as to be given a reward or even what they need that reward will be.
