Variable-Ratio Schedules: The Science of Getting Hooked
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · September 11, 2026
Medically & Scientifically Reviewed
Verified: September 11, 2026
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Where reinforcements are scheduled randomly as determined by the number of responses needed for reinforcement. The number of responses varies from reinforcement to reinforcement.
RANDOM-RATIO SCHEDULE (RR SCHEDULE): “Random-ratio schedules feature a different number of responses needed for reinforcement from reinforcement to reinforcement. That is perhaps five responses needed for the first, 20 for the second and so on.”
