What is one potential outcome of implementing a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule?

A variable-ratio reinforcement schedule is a type of operant conditioning where reinforcement is provided after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule is known for producing a high and steady rate of responding because individuals continue to perform the behavior with the anticipation that reinforcement will eventually occur.

One notable outcome of adopting this reinforcement schedule is that the behavior is more resistant to extinction. This happens because the unpredictability of the reinforcement keeps the individual engaged, as they cannot determine when the next reward will come. As a result, even when reinforcement is no longer provided, individuals are more likely to continue the behavior for some time, driven by the expectation based on previous experiences where reinforcement was delivered after varying response rates. The reinforcement maintains the behavior longer than it would under a fixed schedule, where a clear pattern can lead to quicker extinction when reinforcement is removed.