Final answer:
B) A reinforcement schedule based on the number of responses
A ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule in operant conditioning based on the number of responses between reinforcements.
It comes in two forms, fixed ratio and variable ratio, which determine the consistency and predictability of the required number of responses before a reward is given.
Step-by-step explanation:
A ratio schedule in the context of reinforcement scheduling, specifically in the field of operant conditioning, refers to a type of partial reinforcement schedule that is based on the number of responses between reinforcements.
Unlike an interval schedule, which is based on the time between reinforcements, a ratio schedule focuses on the quantity of desirable responses.
For instance, with a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule, a certain fixed number of responses must be made before a behavior is rewarded. An example of this would be a salesperson who receives a commission after every set number of sales.
On the other hand, in a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, the number of responses needed for a reward varies and is unpredictable, much like the scenario for gamblers at a slot machine.
These ratio schedules are crucial in understanding how behavior can be maintained or extinguished, as they directly influence how quickly the reinforced behavior persists or fades away once the reinforcement stops.
In operant conditioning, a ratio refers to the number of responses needed for a reward, while an interval refers to the amount of time between reinforcements.
A reinforcement schedule is a pattern of delivering rewards or punishments to reinforce or extinguish a behavior.
In terms of scheduling, a ratio schedule is a reinforcement schedule based on the number of responses, while an interval schedule is based on the amount of time.