Which term refers to the behavioral effect caused by abrupt increases in ratio requirements when moving from dense to thin reinforcement schedules?

• A. Reactivity
• B. Reflex
• C. Reinforcer
• D. Ratio Strain

Answer: (D)

Ratio strain is the behavioral disruption that happens when the ratio requirement is increased abruptly as you move from dense to thin reinforcement. On a ratio schedule, reinforcement depends on a certain number of responses; dense schedules reward frequently, while thin schedules reward after many responses. If you jump to a higher ratio too quickly, the individual may struggle to meet the new requirement, causing a drop in response rate, longer pauses after reinforcement, and sometimes the emergence of less efficient or alternative behaviors as a coping response. This concept is distinct from reactivity (behavior changes due to being observed), a reflex (an automatic, involuntary response), or a reinforcer (the outcome that increases behavior).