Fixed-ratio schedules (FR schedules) are a type of reinforcement schedule used in behavior analysis. FR schedules are characterized by reinforcement after a fixed number of responses, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since the last reinforcement. The schedule is widely used to study motivation and other aspects of behavior, particularly in animal research.
FR schedules are widely used in operant conditioning, which is a type of learning in which an organism’s behavior is modified through reinforcement. Operant conditioning is based on the idea that behavior is shaped by the consequences of that behavior. In FR schedules, a response is reinforced after a set number of responses has been made. This type of reinforcement schedule is considered to be more powerful than a fixed-interval schedule, in which reinforcement is provided after a set amount of time has passed.
FR schedules have been used to study a variety of behaviors, including the motivation of animals to perform a task. For example, studies have found that rats given access to food on an FR schedule will work harder for the food than rats given access to food on a fixed-interval schedule. This indicates that FR schedules can be used to study motivation in animals.
FR schedules have also been used to study other aspects of behavior, including habituation. Habituation is the process by which an animal becomes less responsive to a stimulus due to repeated exposure. Studies have found that animals respond more strongly to a stimulus when exposed to an FR schedule than when exposed to a fixed-interval schedule.
FR schedules have been used to study a variety of behaviors in a variety of settings. The schedule is widely used in animal research, and is also used in clinical settings to study human behavior. The schedule has been used to study a variety of topics, including motivation, habituation, and other aspects of behavior.
Overall, FR schedules are a powerful tool for studying reinforcement and other aspects of behavior. The schedule is widely used in animal research and has been used to study a variety of topics, including motivation and habituation.
References
Agras, W. S., & Cullen, T. (1972). Fixed-ratio schedules and response rate. The Psychological Record, 22(4), 513-524.
Bolles, R. C. (1970). Species-specific defense reactions and avoidances. Psychonomic Science, 19(4), 291-293.
Dinsmoor, J. A. (2002). Habituation: A history. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 25(2), 195-217.
Hineline, P. N., & Rilling, J. E. (1972). Fixed-ratio schedules and their effects on response rate and accuracy. The Psychological Record, 22(4), 545-552.
Rescorla, R. A. (1968). Probability of shock in the presence and absence of CS in fear conditioning. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 66(2), 1-5.