AP PSYCHOLOGY

LEARNING

OPERANT CONDITIONING

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
An athlete signs a contract whereby her salary increases are renegotiated every three years. This is an example of a ____ schedule of reinforcement.
A
fixed ratio
B
fixed interval
C
variable ratio
D
variable interval
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -A weekly paycheck is a good example of a fixed-interval schedule. The employee receives reinforcement every seven days, which may result in a higher response rate as payday approaches.

Detailed explanation-2: -An example of a fixed-ratio schedule would be a child being given a candy for every 3-10 pages of a book they read. For example, they are given a candy after reading 5 pages, then 3 pages, then 7 pages, then 8 pages, etc.

Detailed explanation-3: -"Ratioā€¯ refers to the number of responses that are required in order to receive reinforcement. For example, a fixed-ratio schedule might involve the delivery of a reward for every fifth response. After the subject responds to the stimulus five times, a reward is delivered.

Detailed explanation-4: -Continuous reinforcement requires the subject to receive positive rewards for behavior every time the behavior is exhibited. Example: Every time a child remembers to raise their hand in class, the teacher gives them a sticker. Partial reinforcement is when the subject receives rewards for behavior some of the time.

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