Which reinforcement schedules produce the highest rates of response?

The highest rates of response in reinforcement schedules are produced by fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules. This is primarily because these schedules involve providing reinforcement after a specific number of responses, which encourages individuals to respond more rapidly and consistently.

In a fixed ratio schedule, a reward is given after a predetermined number of responses, creating a clear and predictable relationship between behavior and reinforcement. For example, if a rat receives food every fifth lever press, it will continue pressing the lever at a high rate to receive that food.

Variable ratio schedules take this one step further by providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, which leads to even greater responding rates. This unpredictability creates a high level of motivation; individuals continue performing the behavior with the hope of receiving a reward, as is seen with gambling. The excitement of not knowing when the next reward may occur keeps their responses at a high rate.

In contrast, fixed interval and variable interval schedules tend to produce lower rates of response because there is a waiting period for reinforcement, which does not motivate continuous behavior as effectively. Continuous reinforcement leads to quick learning but can also result in lower rates of response in the long term compared to partial schedules.

Therefore, the combination of fixed and variable ratio schedules is uniquely effective in maintaining high response rates