AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, the number of responses needed for a reward varies. This is the most powerful partial reinforcement schedule. An example of the variable ratio reinforcement schedule is gambling.

Detailed explanation-2: -Examples of ratio variables include: enzyme activity, dose amount, reaction rate, flow rate, concentration, pulse, weight, length, temperature in Kelvin (0.0 Kelvin really does mean “no heat”), survival time.

Detailed explanation-3: -Your Employer Checking Your Work: Does your boss drop by your office a few times throughout the day to check your progress? This is an example of a variable-interval schedule. These check-ins occur at unpredictable times, so you never know when they might happen.

Detailed explanation-4: -An example of using schedule of reinforcements in a parenting scenario is when potty training a child. You might start by giving the child a piece of candy every time they use the potty (fixed-ratio).