Reinforcement provided after a set number of responses, like rewarding every 5th response is called?

Reinforcement provided after a set number of responses, like rewarding every 5th response is called?

• A. Variable-Ratio Schedule
• B. Fixed-Interval Schedule
• C. Fixed-Ratio Schedule
• D. Tact

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement after a set number of responses is a fixed-ratio schedule. The defining idea here is that the number of responses required for a reward is constant, so reinforcement happens after every predetermined count—like giving a reward after every fifth response. This arrangement tends to produce a high rate of responding, with a brief pause after each reinforcement. For comparison, a variable-ratio schedule reinforces after an unpredictable number of responses, which yields high and steady responding with no clear pause. A fixed-interval schedule reinforces the first response after a fixed amount of time, creating a pattern where responses increase toward the end of the interval. A tact is a verbal operant, not a reinforcement schedule, so it isn’t about how reinforcement is delivered.

Reinforcement after a set number of responses is a fixed-ratio schedule. The defining idea here is that the number of responses required for a reward is constant, so reinforcement happens after every predetermined count—like giving a reward after every fifth response. This arrangement tends to produce a high rate of responding, with a brief pause after each reinforcement.

For comparison, a variable-ratio schedule reinforces after an unpredictable number of responses, which yields high and steady responding with no clear pause. A fixed-interval schedule reinforces the first response after a fixed amount of time, creating a pattern where responses increase toward the end of the interval. A tact is a verbal operant, not a reinforcement schedule, so it isn’t about how reinforcement is delivered.