How are timing and consistency of operant conditioning contingencies important?
A Variable Ratio Schedule produces rewards irregularly. The criteria for reinforcement changes, it rotates around an average number of responses. The amount of work required per reinforcement varies somewhat randomly within certain limits (Carpenter, 1974). Examples of Variable Ratio Schedules 1. A Slot machine yields returns on an irregular basis. 2. Pigeons will peck for hours at a rate of five times per second. The first reinforcement is given after pecking three times, then seven times, then five times, then four times and then one time. Implementing a Variable Ratio Schedule will eliminate the post reinforcement pause. In a Variable Ratio Schedule, the average number of responses between reinforcement is predetermined by the trainer. A Variable Ratio-10 Schedule (VR-10) means that on the average, reinforcement follows every 10th desired behavior but it might come after only one desired behavior or after the 20th desired behaviors. Slot machine gambling is typically under the contr
