Reinforcement Schedule
A pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced
Continuous Reinforcement
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs
Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement
Reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction that does continuous reinforcement
Fixed-Ratio Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses
Variable-Ratio Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses
Fixed-Interval Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed
Variable-Interval Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals