Define fixed and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement, as ...

[james0929]

Define fixed and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement, as well as fixed and variable interval schedules of reinforcement. Compare and contrast the effects of these schedules of reinforcement on behavior.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Compare the different ways that variability in the data is treated with individual subject designs and group comparison designs.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[kmb352]

Answer to Question 1

Fixed ratio schedules of reinforcement require that a certain, constant number of responses occur before a reinforcer is delivered. A variable ratio schedule of reinforcement is similar, except that the number of responses that must occur before a reinforcer is delivered varies around a mean number. Fixed interval schedules of reinforcement provide reinforcement for the first correct response following a fixed duration of time has elapsed. Variable interval schedules of reinforcement is the same, except that the time elapsed varies around a mean. In both cases, variable schedules of reinforcement produce the most consistent pattern of behavior, whereas fixed schedules usually produce a post-reinforcement pause

Answer to Question 2

Answer should include: Individual subject designs attempt to identify sources of variability and either control or manipulated them as an independent variable. Data that contains a lot of variability is likely to indicate to the behavior analyst that more research is required to identify the sources of that variability. In group comparison designs, statistical manipulation is used to cancel out variability. Causes of variability are attributed to chance and are not identified through statistical treatments.