What is a Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule characterized by?

A Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule is characterized by the delivery of reinforcement after a specific number of responses have been completed. This means that there is a set, predetermined number of behaviors that must occur before the reinforcement is provided. For example, in an FR5 schedule, a reward would be given after every five responses. This type of schedule tends to produce a high rate of response, as the subject knows that more behaviors will lead to quicker rewards.

In contrast, options that describe delivery after a certain amount of time has passed refer to interval schedules, not ratio schedules. Options suggesting delivery regardless of behavior or after an unknown amount of behavior misrepresent the specific nature of fixed ratio schedules, as they imply randomness or lack of contingency based on specific responses. The clarity of the relationship between the number of responses and the delivery of reinforcement in a Fixed Ratio schedule is what distinguishes it from other types of operant conditioning schedules.