What characterizes a variable ratio reinforcement schedule?

A variable ratio reinforcement schedule is characterized by the delivery of reinforcement after an inconsistent number of responses. This means that the number of responses required for reinforcement varies unpredictably, which can lead to a high and steady rate of responding. Individuals tend to continue making responses because they are uncertain when the next reinforcement will be delivered, creating a strong motivation to continue the behavior in anticipation of receiving a reward. This unpredictability is what makes the variable ratio schedule particularly effective in maintaining behavior over time, as it mirrors real-life scenarios where reinforcement is not always available at set intervals or amounts.

In contrast to other schedules, a fixed ratio schedule requires a specific number of responses for reinforcement, while a fixed interval schedule provides reinforcement at regular time intervals, and not reinforcing at all means that responses will eventually diminish as no reinforcement is provided. This distinctive aspect of variability is what defines the variable ratio schedule and contributes to its effectiveness in behavior modification contexts.