What is the primary characteristic of a Fixed Ratio schedule?

A Fixed Ratio schedule is characterized by providing reinforcement after a specific number of responses have been made. This means that for every set number of correct or desired behaviors that an individual exhibits, they receive a reward or reinforcement. This scheduling is effective in promoting consistent responses because individuals learn exactly how many behaviors they need to perform to obtain reinforcement, which can lead to high rates of responding as they strive to reach that target for reward.

For example, in a classroom setting, a student might receive a token for every five math problems they successfully complete. This specific ratio motivates the behavior of completing those problems, as the student understands the direct relationship between their performance and the resulting reward.

Other schedules, like variable ratio or interval schedules, involve reinforcement that is not based on a fixed number of responses or time intervals, which can lead to different patterns of behavior in response to the reinforcement strategies.