Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed Ratio: applying the reinforcement/punishment after a specific number of behaviours. The problem is that the person involved will begin to notice the pattern

Fixed Interval: after a specific amount of time. Problem is people tend to improve their performance just before reward therefore making their performance inconsistent

Variable Ratio: after a variable number of responses, works best under many circumstances

Variable Interval: after a variable amount of time, results in more consistent behaviour

Continuous Reinforcement: positive reinforcement every time a specific behaviour occurs