Which term describes a reinforcement schedule where the number of responses required for reinforcement varies around an average?

• A. Fixed Ratio Reinforcement
• B. Variable Ratio Reinforcement
• C. Fixed Interval Reinforcement
• D. Variable Interval Reinforcement

Answer: (B)

In this type of reinforcement, the number of responses needed for reinforcement changes around an average value. Because the exact count is unpredictable, the learner keeps responding rapidly with few or no pauses, since reinforcement could come at any moment. This produces a high, steady rate of responding and is resistant to extinction. If the requirement were fixed, you’d see clear bursts of responding followed by pauses; if it were based on time (interval schedules), reinforcement would be tied to moments in time rather than the number of responses. The hallmark here is the variability around the average number of responses needed for reinforcement.