When examining response patterns, what is the effect of a Fixed Ratio Schedule?

A Fixed Ratio Schedule involves providing reinforcement after a specified number of responses have been made. This means that individuals are rewarded only after completing a predetermined number of actions, which influences their response patterns significantly.

Under a Fixed Ratio Schedule, individuals often exhibit a steady output of behavior as they continue to work towards the next reinforcement. However, this is typically accompanied by a brief pause in responding immediately following the receipt of the reinforcement. This pause occurs because individuals may need a moment to rest or regroup before continuing to respond towards another reward. Thus, after receiving reinforcement, the frequency of responses usually dips temporarily before ramping up again as the individual works towards the next reward.

This predictability in the pattern of responses—where there is consistent effort up until reinforcement is received and a short pause following it—characterizes the typical response patterns associated with a Fixed Ratio Schedule. It leads to a clear pattern of work and reward, making the correct understanding of this schedule crucial in behavior analysis and training contexts.