What does a variable ratio schedule entail?

A variable ratio schedule involves providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. This type of schedule is highly effective in maintaining behavior because the individual does not know how many responses will be required for the next reward. This unpredictability creates a strong motivation to continue the behavior, as the reinforcement can occur after any given number of actions, leading to a consistent and persistent pattern of responding.

In practices using a variable ratio schedule, such as gambling or certain sales commissions, the element of surprise keeps individuals engaged because they anticipate a reward at varying intervals, which can increase the frequency of the behavior over time. The unpredictability makes it more exciting and reinforces the behavior more robustly than if the reinforcement followed a fixed number of responses.