What describes the reinforcement schedule used with a child named Cody in therapy?

The reinforcement schedule used with Cody is characterized as a continuous-ratio schedule followed by a fixed-ratio schedule. A continuous-ratio schedule implies that every instance of the desired behavior results in reinforcement. This is particularly effective in the initial stages of learning, as it helps establish a strong association between the behavior and the reward.

As the child becomes more accustomed to the behavior, transitioning to a fixed-ratio schedule means that reinforcement is provided after a specific number of responses. This type of schedule encourages the child to maintain the behavior because they know that after a certain number of correct responses, they will receive reinforcement. This shift can help in promoting independence and resilience in the child as they learn to produce the desired behavior consistently without relying on immediate rewards for each instance.

This gradual transition from a continuous schedule to a fixed-ratio schedule is a common practice in behavioral therapies, as it fosters both skill acquisition and eventual maintenance of the behavior, supporting the child’s long-term progress in therapy.