What reinforcement strategy is employed when workers are given a bonus after achieving a specific performance target?

The correct choice highlights a reinforcement strategy that is tied directly to employee performance and the achievement of specific targets. In this context, the fixed ratio schedule refers to a reward system that provides a bonus contingent upon reaching a defined performance criterion. This means that after employees meet a predetermined level of output or performance, they receive a bonus or reward, which reinforces their behavior by making the connection between their efforts and the reward clear.

Using a fixed ratio schedule is effective in motivating employees because it establishes a concrete goal for them to aim for. The clarity and consistency of this reinforcement model help employees understand exactly what they need to accomplish to receive their bonuses, thereby encouraging sustained effort over time. This approach contrasts with more variable reinforcement strategies that may not provide such immediate or predictable rewards, potentially leading to less motivation among workers.