Variable Ratio
Definition
In psychology, variable ratio refers to delivering reinforcements after an unpredictable number of responses.
Analogy
It’s like playing on slot machines at casinos. You never know exactly how many times you have to play before hitting the jackpot; it could be on your first try or hundredth try!
Related terms
Partial Reinforcement: It involves reinforcing behavior only part of the time rather than all the time.
Ratio Schedule: A program of reinforcement where the organism is reinforced after a certain number of responses.
Intermittent Reinforcement: This refers to when rules, rewards or personal boundaries are handed out or enforced inconsistently and occasionally which results in high rates of responding.
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