Deutsch: Fester Quotenplan / Español: Razón fija / Português: Razão fixa / Français: Ratio fixe / Italiano: Rapporto fisso
A fixed ratio is a schedule of reinforcement in psychology where a response is reinforced only after a set number of behaviours have occurred. This predictable pattern is used to shape behaviour by rewarding consistent effort, making it an effective tool for learning and habit formation.
Description
In a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is contingent on completing a specified number of responses. For instance, a rat in a Skinner box might receive a food pellet after pressing a lever 10 times, known as a FR-10 schedule. This approach is common in both experimental and real-life settings, such as productivity systems where workers earn a reward for producing a fixed quantity of goods.
The fixed ratio schedule often results in a characteristic pattern of behaviour. Individuals tend to work at a high rate until they achieve the reward, followed by a brief pause (post-reinforcement pause). This pause often corresponds to the effort needed to reach the next reinforcement, making the relationship between effort and reward highly predictable.
Historically, fixed ratio schedules were extensively studied by B.F. Skinner and his contemporaries as part of operant conditioning, laying the groundwork for modern behavioural psychology. They highlight the interplay between effort, reward, and motivation, offering insight into the optimisation of learning environments and productivity strategies.
Application Areas
- Education: Used to encourage repetitive practice, such as awarding points for completing a set number of math problems.
- Workplace: Implemented in piece-rate systems where employees are compensated for completing a specific number of tasks.
- Animal Training: Applied to shape behaviours by rewarding a fixed number of correct responses.
- Therapy: Integrated into behavioural therapies for skill development or habit formation.
- Gaming: Found in game mechanics, where players earn rewards after achieving a fixed number of tasks or challenges.
Well-Known Examples
- Piecework Payment Systems: Workers earn a reward (e.g., money) for producing a fixed number of products.
- Classroom Reward Systems: Teachers give students stickers after completing a certain number of assignments.
- Skinner Box Experiments: Early research by Skinner on rats or pigeons demonstrated the effects of fixed ratio schedules.
Risks and Challenges
- Burnout: Requiring high-effort tasks without varying the schedule can lead to fatigue and reduced motivation.
- Extinction: When reinforcement is removed, behaviours trained under fixed ratio schedules may decrease quickly.
- Post-Reinforcement Pauses: The pauses following reinforcement can reduce overall productivity.
- Rigidity: Fixed ratio schedules lack flexibility, which can make them less effective in dynamic environments requiring creativity.
Similar Terms
- Variable Ratio: A reinforcement schedule where rewards are given after an unpredictable number of responses.
- Fixed Interval: Reinforcement occurs after a fixed amount of time has passed, irrespective of behaviour frequency.
- Continuous Reinforcement: A schedule where every correct response is reinforced, contrasting with the intermittent nature of a fixed ratio.
Articles with 'Fixed-ratio' in the title
- Fixed-ratio schedule: 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 (eg
Summary
A fixed ratio schedule in psychology is a reinforcement strategy that rewards a set number of behaviours, fostering consistency and productivity. While effective in certain contexts, it has limitations like susceptibility to burnout and extinction. Understanding its dynamics provides valuable insights for education, workplace systems, therapy, and more.
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