Describe the behavior patterns that result from the various schedules from both the experimental literature and human application

Describe the behavior patterns that result from the various schedules from both the experimental literature and human application.

Introduction

According to Flora (2015), schedules of reinforcement play an important role in the learning process. The strength and the rate of a response depends on when and how often an individual reinforces a behavior. Therefore, a reinforcement schedule refers to a typical rule stipulating specific instances of a behavior to be reinforced. There are four different types of behavior reinforcement schedules including the fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval as well as the variable-interval ratios. Fixed ratio- reinforcement takes place after a set number of predictable responses. Variable ratio depends on a number of typical responses. However, it is difficult to predict the number of responses needed to get the reinforcement (Mangal, 2014). Consequently, the fixed interval reinforcement occurs after a set amount of time, regardless of number of responses during that time.

Flora (2015) adds that the variable interval reinforcement depends on the amount of time that has passed between responses and not necessarily limited to the number of responses. The unpredictable nature of the time passing between reinforcement results in slow but a steady rate of responding. This paper aims to discuss the four different types ofreinforcementschedules as well apply them to specific scenarios. Additionally, the paper will describe different behavior patterns resulting from the various schedules from both the experimental literature and human application. Lastly, the paper explains whether avoidance training would be beneficial or not, and describe why.

Schedules of reinforcement

Schedule of reinforcements are used when we are trying to teach or modified a new behavior. These are broken into four different schedules and each one can help you achieve different goals. The four schedules of reinforcement are; Fixed Ratio, Fixed Interval, Variable Ratio, and Variable Interval. (Malott & Shane, 2014)

Fixed ratio reinforcement schedule is when a reinforcer follows after a fixed number of responses, the behavior will occur at a steady rate until the next reinforcer is deliver. (Malott & Shane, 2014) An example of a fixed ratio schedule would be when we give a child a reinforcer after they exhibit a behavior; such as sharing, after we see that they do share we give them the reward every other time they share not every time. Variable Ratio involves a variable of number of responses, the behavior would be responding at a higher rate but no post reinforcement response. (Malott & Shane, 2014) This is an example of when we are already in the end stages of potty training our puppies and reinforcement can be delivered as a maintenance schedule of reinforcement.

Fixed interval reinforcement schedule is when a target behavior is reinforced after a period of time, no response will occur immediately. In the behavior the rate will respond will increase slowly as the interval will start to increase. (Malott & Shane, 2014) We want to make sure we reinforce this behavior in a schedule by enforcing after specific amount of time. Variable interval reinforcement schedule is the first response after a variable time interval, this will be when a consistent and steady rate of responding occurs. (Malott & Shane, 2014) Variable interval is effective when behaviors are already establish and you are trying to just reinforce them again. (Malott & Shane, 2014)

Apply the schedules to specific scenarios

Four types of behavior reinforcement schedules:

1) fixed-ratio 2) variable-ratio 3) fixed-interval 4) variable-interval

Fixed-ratio scenario:

Jennifer is having trouble in math. Her mother has gotten a tutor to help her understand the math assignments given. Jennifer is doing well now and is confident she is able to answer some questions on her own. The tutor writes down 5 sets of problems and Jennifer has to answer them all correctly, without any assistance. Jennifer takes 15 minutes to complete the problems. The tutor then takes 5 minutes to correct the problems, but waits an additional 10 minutes before she provides Jennifer with her reinforcement of a cookie.

Variable-ratio scenario:

Zander wants loves to travel to Las Vegas every year to gamble. Zander gets excited every time he puts money into a slot machine even though he does not win. Zander continues to play the slot machines no matter how much money he is spending because he knows if he keeps feeding the machine, eventually it will payout, just not sure as to when it will pay out.

Fixed-interval scenario:

Jackson works 40 hours 5 days a week and gets paid every 2 weeks. He is not given any overtime hours, but is given more tasks to do. He is working to ensure that he is able to pay his bills. By working his full 80 hours every two weeks he is guaranteed to be able to receive a check every 14days.

Variable - interval scenario:

Jackson is still working his 40 hours a week and has a deadline to meet. His boss comes in at different times to see how his progress is coming. Since Jackson never knows when or where his boss will pop up to check on him, Jackson remains focused and is able to always provide feedback to his boss on his progress.