AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In operant conditioning, a variable-ratio schedule is a partial schedule of reinforcement in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses. 1 This schedule creates a steady, high rate of response. Gambling and lottery games are good examples of a reward based on a variable-ratio schedule.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gambling at a slot machine is an example of a variable ratio reinforcement schedule5. What is this? Gambling or lottery game rewards unpredictably. Each winning requires a different number of lever pulls.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Casinos apply a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement, so that the payoff is highly unpredictable. For example, one machine may have a VR-120 schedule. That means that on average, it will produce one payoff for every 120 times played. However, it’s not always 120.