Ferster & Skinner (1957), Schedules of Reinforcement — variable-ratio (VR) schedules produce highest, steadiest response rates and strong resistance to extinction

Claim: Ferster & Skinner (1957), Schedules of Reinforcement. Variable-ratio (VR) schedules produce the highest, steadiest response rates and strong resistance to extinction.

Source: Ferster & Skinner (1957) book.

Confidence: Verified for the schedule mechanism itself — animal / behavioural.

Caveat: Foundational for the mechanism — NOT direct evidence of benign human engagement with tools. See Skinner himself (1953, Science and Human Behavior) — VR's power illustrated via GAMBLING: "the efficacy of such schedules in generating high rates has long been known to the proprietors of gambling establishments" for the dominant framing.

Why this matters for Candid: Mechanism citation only when paired with the dark-pattern caveat. Do not lean on this for benign engagement claims — use Shen, Fishbach & Hsee (2015), JCR 41(5) — Motivating-Uncertainty Effect: people invest MORE effort for an uncertain reward (50% $2 / 50% $1) than for certain HIGHER-expected-value reward — but ONLY under PROCESS focus instead. Anchors R6 — When variable/uncertain feedback is appropriate, cite Shen-Fishbach-Hsee (benign motivating-uncertainty, process focus, immediate resolution) — NOT Skinner box; respect the dark-pattern caveat.