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Types of Reinforcement

Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule
Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule

A fixed-interval schedule is a schedule of reinforcement where the first response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has elapsed.

Fixed-Ratio (FR) Schedule
Fixed-Ratio (FR) Schedule

The fixed-ratio schedule can be understood by looking at the term itself. Fixed refers to the delivery of rewards on a consistent schedule. Ratio refers to the number of responses that are required in order to receive reinforcement.

Variable-Interval (VI) Schedule
Variable-Interval (VI) Schedule

Imagine that you are training a pigeon to peck at a key to receive a food pellet. You put the bird on a variable-interval 30 (VI-30) schedule. This means that the pigeon will receive reinforcement an average of every 30 seconds. It is important to note that this is an average, however.

Variable-Ratio (VR) Schedule
Variable-Ratio (VR) Schedule

interlocking reinforcement schedule Cite this page: Nugent, Pam M.S., "VARIABLE-RATIO REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULE (VR SCHEDULE)," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 29, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/variable-ratio-reinforcement-schedule-vr-schedule/ (accessed June 17, 2018).