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Once a behavior has been learned, trainers often switch to a partial reinforcement schedule, also known as intermittent reinforcement. Under this schedule, the desired behavior is not reinforced every single time it is performed; instead, the reward is delivered only some of the time.

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement

Partial reinforcement schedules are categorized based on two key dimensions. The first is whether the schedule is an 'interval' type (based on the time between reinforcements) or a 'ratio' type (based on the number of responses). The second dimension is whether the schedule is 'fixed' (the time or number of responses is constant and unchanging) or 'variable' (the time or number of responses changes unpredictably).

Dimensions of Partial Reinforcement Schedules

Analyze the following two scenarios and predict which employee's behavior will persist longer after the bonuses are discontinued. Explain the principle behind your prediction.

Persistence of Learned Behavior

In partial reinforcement, the 'fixed' dimension means that the condition for receiving a reward—whether it is a certain amount of time passing or a specific number of responses occurring—is set and remains unchanging.

Fixed Dimension of Reinforcement Schedules

In partial reinforcement, the 'variable' dimension indicates that the condition for receiving a reward is unpredictable. The required amount of time that must pass or the number of responses needed varies and changes from one reinforcement to the next.

Variable Dimension of Reinforcement Schedules

In partial reinforcement, the 'interval' dimension means that the schedule is based on the amount of time that elapses between reinforcements, rather than the quantity of behaviors performed.

Interval Dimension of Reinforcement Schedules

In partial reinforcement, the 'ratio' dimension means that the schedule is based on the number of behavioral responses the subject makes between reinforcements, rather than the passage of time.

Ratio Dimension of Reinforcement Schedules

A dog owner trains their dog to sit. For the first month, the owner gives the dog a treat every single time it sits on command. For the second month, the owner only gives the dog a treat sometimes when it sits on command. At the start of the third month, the owner stops giving treats entirely. Based on these two different training periods, after which month would the dog likely continue to sit on command for a longer period despite the absence of treats?

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