Reinforcement Schedules Continuous Reinforcement Reinforcing the desired response

Reinforcement Schedules

Continuous Reinforcement • Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs. Quick Acquisition Quick Extinction

Partial Reinforcement • Reinforcing a response only part of the time. • Greater resistance to extinction. • Slower acquisition

Fixed-ratio Schedules • A schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses. Example: I give cookie monster a cookie every FIVE times he sings “C is for cookie”. - foul out after 5 fouls, typist paid per page

Variable-ratio Schedule • A schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses. Example: I give Homer a donut at random times when he says “DOH!!!” - slot machines, door-to-door sales

Fixed-interval Schedule • A schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed. Example: I give Bart a Butterfinger every ten minutes after he moons someone. - paychecks, test every two weeks

Variable-interval Schedule • A schedule of reinforcement that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals. Pop Quizzes, Redialing after a busy signal

How can I use this? • Utilizing the variable ratio schedule of reinforcement is the key to attraction – First, these rules only apply to people who are ALREADY INTERESTED in you. – Research shows that people tend to date within 20% of their own attractiveness level – Therefore, you can date +/- 2 of your rating – What’s my rating? Ask 10 strangers (friends/relatives will not give you an accurate rating)

• Once the person is interested in you, you can utilize variable ratio schedule of reinforcement to keep their interest • Follow the 1/3 -2/3 rds rule: Every 3 times they do something, do it back to them once (or twice) – If they call you three times, call them back only twice – If they buy you a present, the present you buy them should only be about 1/3 value – Don’t say “I love you” back to them every time they say it (DON’T SAY I LOVE YOU FIRST) • KEY POINT: The person who cares the least, or appears to care the least in a relationship holds the most power