Psychology / Unit 5 Psych 0561 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Variable-Ratio Schedule
Captions available
The idea
A variable-ratio schedule reinforces after an unpredictable number of responses, averaging some value.
In practice
A slot machine pays after a varying number of pulls, averaging a rate the player cannot compute.
Where people slip
Variable-ratio schedules produce the highest response rates and the greatest resistance to extinction.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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