What is the effect of different schedules on intermittent reinforcement?

Intermittent reinforcement is used to maintain acquired
behaviors. There are several schedules for reinforcement, and they all have a different
affect on the behavior.

Fixed Ratio (FR) Reinforcement
reinforces the behavior after every X number of times. There is a high response rate
here, but the responses become irregular as involved individuals begin to recognize the
pattern as to when the reinforcement will come, and that is when they display the
appropriate behavior.

Fixed Interval (FI) Reinforcement
occurs after X amount of minutes. This works really well just prior to the
reinforcement, but it stops working after the reinforcement because the individuals know
that no reinforcement will be forthcoming.

Variable Ratio
(VR) Reinforcement occurs after X number of responses on an average. This has a high
level of response. The greater the ratio the greater the
response.

Variable Interval (VI) Reinforcement is given for
the first occurrence after every X minutes. This has a more consistent rate of
responding.

Both VR and VI are more resistant to extinction
as their pattern is more difficult to predict.