Example

Example of Variable Ratio Reinforcement: Child's Tantrums

A child's tantrums can be unintentionally reinforced on a variable-ratio schedule. If a parent sometimes gives in to the tantrum (the occasional reward), the child learns that the behavior might eventually be successful. This unpredictability makes the tantrum behavior very persistent and difficult to extinguish, as the child will continue the behavior in hopes of receiving the reward.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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