Question

Chapter 17- Ratio schedules are prevalent in daily life. Explain what a ratio schedule is, and provide examples from your life that fit this schedule. Does your behavior pattern match what a ratio schedule should produce?

Answer 1

Ratio schedule is a form of reinforcement schedule used in behavior modification or learning through operant conditioning. In operant conditioning reinforcements in the form of rewards or punishments are given to strengthen the desired behavior. The schedule according to which the reinforcement is given can be either interval or ratio.

Ratio Schedules are those in which reinforcement is given after a certain number of desired responses. It can be either Fixed Ratio Schedule, in which a fixed number of responses have to occur , like reinforcement after every 5^th response or Variable ratio Schedule, in which the number of responses that have to be given varies unpredictably.Although generally the number of responses revolve around one mean value.

An example of ratio schedule is that when i help my grandmother with her mails or any problems with her phone, she gives me allowance, but there is no fixed number , sometimes she gives it to me if i write one mail, and sometimes only when I write 5 mails.

Yes, my behavior of helping her is effectively reinforced, as I look forward to do her work because there is always an expectation that I might get some allowance for writing a mail. One time Grandma forgot about the allowance after I had written 10 mails and I remember feeling disappointed.