AP Psychology Practice Test

What defines a fixed-ratio schedule in operant conditioning?

1. Reinforcing a response after a specified number of responses

2. Reinforcing a response after an unpredictable number of responses

3. Reinforcing a response only after a specified time has elapsed

4. Reinforcing a response at unpredictable time intervals

The correct answer is: Reinforcing a response after a specified number of responses

A fixed-ratio schedule in operant conditioning is defined by reinforcing a response after a specific number of responses have been made. This means that the reinforcement is contingent upon a predetermined number of behaviors being exhibited. For example, a factory worker might receive a paycheck after producing a certain number of items. This type of schedule tends to produce a high rate of responding because the subject knows exactly how many responses are required to receive the reinforcement. The schedule is characterized by its predictability: once the individual learns the number of responses required, they are likely to increase their efforts to reach that goal quickly. This creates a characteristic "pause-and-run" pattern in behavior where there is a burst of activity leading up to the point of reinforcement followed by a post-reinforcement pause. The other options represent different types of reinforcement schedules. For instance, reinforcing a response after an unpredictable number of responses describes a variable-ratio schedule, while the reinforcement after a specified time or at unpredictable time intervals pertains to fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules, respectively. These different scheduling methods influence behavior patterns in unique ways compared to a fixed-ratio schedule.