Glossary F

Glossary F

Fixed time (FT) schedule refers to a schedule in which the reinforcer is delivered following a fixed, predictable period of time, regardless of the organism’s behavior.

Fixed-action patterns. Please see Innate releasing mechanisms .

Fixed-interval refers to a schedule for reinforcing the first response after a fixed period of time has passed since the prior reinforcement. This schedule usually produces a scallop pattern of responding where people tend to pause after a reinforcer and then to gradually increase their response rate until they are working at a high rate at the moment they receive the next reinforcer.

Fixed-interval schedule refers to a schedule of reinforcement or punishment in which the reinforcer or punisher is presented after a fixed amount of time.

Fixed-Interval Schedule refers to a schedule of reinforcement or punishment in which the reinforcer or punisher is presented after a fixed amount of time.

Fixed-ratio schedule refers to a schedule of reinforcement or punishment in which the reinforcer or punisher is presented after a fixed number of responses (e.g. Lever-presses).

Fixed-role therapy refers to Kelly's brand of therapy whereby he would assign a role for his clients to play that was distinctly different from the client's self-characterization. With this type of therapy, the therapist acts much like a supporting actor. Please see also Self-characterization.

Flagellation means striking a partner, often by whipping.