“A reinforcer delivered contingent upon the first behavior following the time period where the time period is variable” describes which schedule of reinforcement?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The schedule of reinforcement described as “a reinforcer delivered contingent upon the first behavior following the time period where the time period is variable” is known as the Variable Interval (VI) schedule.
Explanation:
In operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules dictate how and when a behavior is reinforced. The Variable Interval (VI) schedule is characterized by the delivery of reinforcement after the first response following the passage of a variable amount of time. This means that the time interval between reinforcements varies around a specified average.
Key Features of the Variable Interval Schedule:
- Reinforcement Timing: Reinforcement is provided after the first response that occurs after a variable amount of time has elapsed since the last reinforcement.
- Response Pattern: This schedule typically results in a steady, moderate rate of responding. Since the reinforcement is unpredictable and based on time intervals, the subject maintains a consistent response rate without significant pauses.
- Resistance to Extinction: Behaviors reinforced on a VI schedule tend to be more resistant to extinction compared to those reinforced on fixed schedules. The unpredictability of reinforcement makes the behavior more persistent.
Example:
Consider a scenario where a teacher provides praise to a student for appropriate behavior, but the timing of the praise varies. Sometimes the praise is given after 2 minutes, other times after 5 minutes, and occasionally after 3 minutes. The student learns that appropriate behavior can lead to praise, but the exact timing is unpredictable. This variability in the timing of reinforcement exemplifies a Variable Interval schedule.
Comparison with Other Schedules:
- Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule: In contrast, a Fixed Interval schedule provides reinforcement after the first response following a fixed amount of time. For example, a teacher might give praise every 3 minutes, regardless of the student’s behavior. This can lead to a “scalloped” response pattern, where the student responds more frequently as the time for the next reinforcement approaches.
- Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule: A Variable Ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after a variable number of responses. For instance, a slot machine pays out after an unpredictable number of lever pulls. This schedule typically results in a high, steady rate of responding.
- Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule: A Fixed Ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a fixed number of responses. For example, a worker might receive a bonus after every 10 units produced. This can lead to a high rate of responding followed by a post-reinforcement pause.
Understanding these schedules is crucial in fields like psychology and education, as they influence behavior patterns and learning processes.