What characterizes a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement?

A fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement is characterized by providing rewards or reinforcements after a predetermined and specific number of responses are made. For instance, a common example of this is a scenario where a behavior, such as pressing a lever, is reinforced after every fifth press. This predictability creates a strong link between the behavior and the reward, which can encourage the subject to increase the frequency of the behavior more than under other schedules of reinforcement.

In a fixed-ratio schedule, the emphasis is on the number of responses needed to earn the reinforcement, consistently rewarding the subject after a set number of completed actions. This leads to high rates of responding, especially as the subject approaches the number required for the reward. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how behaviors can be shaped and maintained over time in various learning scenarios.