What is a key characteristic of ratio schedules of reinforcement?

A key characteristic of ratio schedules of reinforcement is that they are based on a specific number of responses required to receive reinforcement. This means that reinforcement is delivered after a certain number of desired behaviors have been performed, creating a direct link between the quantity of responses and the reward received.

For instance, in a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is given after a set number of responses, whereas in a variable ratio schedule, the number of responses required can change but still averages out to a specific ratio over time. This approach encourages a high rate of responding because individuals tend to increase their efforts as they approach the required number of responses for reinforcement.

In contrast, choices related to consequences, time, and antecedents focus on different aspects of operant conditioning and reinforcement schedules but do not encapsulate the fundamental mechanism of ratio schedules, which is inherently tied to the number of responses.