Which schedule requires completion of a fixed number of responses for reinforcement?

• A. Fixed Ratio
• B. Fixed Interval
• C. Extinction
• D. Generalized Behavior Change

Answer: (A)

A fixed ratio schedule reinforces after a specified number of responses. The requirement is constant, so reinforcement is delivered only when that exact number of responses has been completed—for example, every fifth response. This produces a high rate of responding with a short post-reinforcement pause after each reward, and the pause tends to lengthen as the ratio increases. In contrast, a fixed interval schedule rewards based on a fixed amount of time, regardless of how many responses are made; extinction means no reinforcement is provided for the behavior; generalized behavior change refers to widespread changes in behavior across contexts rather than a specific response-based schedule.