Which reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement only after a specified number of responses?

A fixed-ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after a predetermined number of responses have been made. This means that once the individual completes the specified number of responses, they receive a reward or reinforcement, which can increase the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future.

For example, if a worker is paid after producing a set number of items, they are more likely to work efficiently to meet that production target, knowing that their effort will be rewarded once they reach that fixed number. This schedule tends to produce a high rate of response, as individuals are motivated to quickly perform the required behaviors to receive the reinforcement.

In contrast, other schedules, like variable-interval or fixed-interval, involve different criteria for reinforcement based on time rather than responses. Variable-ratio schedules provide rewards after an unpredictable number of responses, which can lead to high and steady rates of responding, while fixed-interval schedules provide reinforcement after a set period, encouraging more rapid responses as the time for reinforcement approaches.