Reinforcement schedules shape behavior in fascinating ways. leads to quick learning but easy , while intermittent schedules create more persistent behaviors. This explains why slot machines are so addictive and why some habits are hard to break.
Different schedules produce unique response patterns. Fixed-interval schedules cause "," where responses increase as reinforcement nears. Ratio schedules can lead to pauses after reinforcement and even "" if requirements get too high.
Reinforcement Schedule Effects
Impact on Response Rate and Extinction Resistance
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Different reinforcement schedules produce varying response rates
Continuous reinforcement (CRF) results in the fastest acquisition of behavior but the least resistance to extinction
schedules generally produce lower response rates compared to CRF but greater resistance to extinction
The states that behaviors acquired under intermittent reinforcement are more resistant to extinction than those acquired under continuous reinforcement
Organisms learn that reinforcement is not always available, so they persist in responding even when reinforcement is withdrawn
Gambling addictions can be explained by the partial reinforcement effect (slot machines)
Behavioral Momentum and Persistence
refers to the tendency for well-established behaviors to persist even when change
Behaviors with a long history of reinforcement have greater behavioral momentum and are more resistant to change
(those that occur frequently) are more resistant to disruption than
Behavioral momentum can be beneficial in maintaining desirable behaviors (exercise habits) but problematic when trying to change undesirable behaviors (smoking)
Within-Session Patterns
Scalloping and Post-Reinforcement Pauses
Scalloping is a pattern of responding seen in fixed-interval schedules where response rates are low immediately after reinforcement and gradually increase as the next reinforcement opportunity approaches
Produces a scallop-shaped curve when is plotted over time
Occurs because organisms learn the of the reinforcement schedule
are periods of little or no responding that occur immediately after reinforcement delivery
Most prominent in fixed-ratio schedules but can also occur in fixed-interval schedules
Reflect the organism's "rest period" before resuming responding to obtain the next
Ratio Strain and Schedule Limitations
Ratio strain refers to the breakdown of responding that can occur when the response requirement of a ratio schedule becomes too high
Organisms may cease responding entirely or respond at a much lower rate
Indicates that there is an upper limit to the number of responses an organism will emit for a single reinforcer
Ratio strain highlights the importance of selecting appropriate response requirements when using ratio schedules
If the ratio is too high, the schedule may become ineffective in maintaining behavior
Ratio strain can be mitigated by gradually increasing the response requirement over time (shaping)