What is typically the effect of a variable ratio reinforcement schedule on behavior?

A variable ratio reinforcement schedule involves providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, which creates a high level of uncertainty—often making the reward feel more valuable due to its unpredictability. This schedule typically leads to a high response rate because individuals know that their efforts will eventually result in a reward, but they cannot predict when it will happen. Therefore, the lack of predictability encourages persistent behavior as the participant continues to respond to maximize their chances of receiving reinforcement.

This approach is highly effective in maintaining and increasing behavior over time, as gamblers and other individuals engaged in activities with variable rewards often illustrate. Their high rate of engagement suggests that waiting for a reward can lead to prolonged and even increased levels of response. In contrast, schedules such as fixed ratio or fixed interval may not sustain the same intensity of behavior due to their predictability, influencing how responses are generated under different reinforcement conditions.