A variable number of responses must be completed to produce a reinforcer.
a. variable interval b. none of these c. variable interval d. variable ratio
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. variable ratio.
In a variable ratio schedule, a reinforcer is given after an unpredictable number of responses. This means that the individual must perform a certain number of actions, but the exact number varies. For example, in a gambling scenario, a person may need to pull a slot machine lever several times before they win, but the number of pulls needed before a win can vary each time. This type of schedule is highly effective in maintaining behavior because the reinforcement is unpredictable, which makes the individual continue the behavior in the hope that the next response will result in a reinforcer.
This type of reinforcement schedule leads to a high and steady rate of response because the person cannot predict when the reinforcement will occur. It also tends to produce the strongest and most persistent behaviors. For instance, a child who gets a reward after an unpredictable number of good behaviors may keep performing the good behavior because they don’t know exactly when the next reward will come. The response rate is typically faster than with other schedules like fixed ratio or variable interval because the subject is motivated by the uncertainty of when the reinforcement will occur.
By contrast, other schedules such as variable interval involve reinforcement after a random period of time, not a number of responses. Fixed ratio involves a set number of responses before reinforcement is provided, and fixed interval is based on reinforcement after a fixed amount of time, regardless of how many responses are made. Variable ratio schedules, however, are known for their ability to maintain behavior over time, which is why they are often used in contexts where long-term engagement is required, such as in sales or gambling.