Questions and Answers
What reinforcement schedule is illustrated by the scenario of baking cookies and waiting to eat a cookie after each set is done baking?
Fixed interval
What reinforcement schedule is represented by taking a break after completing every 10 math problems?
Fixed ratio
What reinforcement schedule is indicated by looking over notes every night uncertain of when the next quiz is?
Variable interval
What reinforcement schedule applies to spending all day hunting waiting for an opportunity?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is described by participants eagerly raising their hands in class, and receiving a response after several attempts?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is represented by a mother spanking her son after asking him to clean his room three times?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is illustrated by having a spelling test every Friday?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule best describes Steve playing the slot machines hoping for a big win?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is shown by snakes deciding to strike at prey after watching them for an uncertain period?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is indicated by Mrs. Oddi receiving a salary paycheck every 2 weeks?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is represented by Christina receiving a dollar in commission for every two bottles of lotion sold?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is illustrated by Mike reading five pages and taking a break repeatedly?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is Marie fundraising door-to-door in hope of selling popcorn tins?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is represented by Kylie's boss checking her work periodically?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is illustrated by Mark's customers making payments at irregular times?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule applies to Jessica receiving a raise at the same time every year?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule is indicated by Andrew making calls until he eventually sells life insurance?
Signup and view all the answers
What reinforcement schedule does Brittany follow as a telemarketer selling life insurance, where a sale occurs after several calls?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Reinforcement Schedules
- Fixed Interval: A response is reinforced after a specific amount of time has elapsed. Example: Baking cookies, receiving a cookie after each 10-minute baking period.
- Fixed Ratio: A response is reinforced after a certain number of responses. Example: Completing 10 math problems earns a 5-minute break.
- Variable Interval: Reinforcement occurs at unpredictable time intervals. Example: Studying notes nightly for an uncertain time until the next quiz.
- Variable Ratio: Reinforcement is provided after an unpredictable number of responses. Example: Gambling on slot machines, expecting a win after an unknown number of plays.
Detailed Examples
-
Fixed Interval Examples:
- Baking cookies: Each set of cookies is ready after 10 minutes, reinforcing the behavior of baking.
- Weekly spelling tests result in a star sticker for good performance, reinforcing study behavior every Friday.
- Regular salary payment every two weeks provides consistent reinforcement for work performance.
-
Fixed Ratio Examples:
- Spanking for non-compliance occurs after asking three times demonstrates a fixed consequence ratio.
- Sales commission in a tanning salon: For every two products sold, the employee earns a dollar, incentivizing sales efforts.
- Studying structure: Reading 5 pages leads to a break, maintaining motivation through periodic reinforcement.
-
Variable Interval Examples:
- Waiting for hunting opportunities reflects unpredictable time intervals for reinforcement of patience.
- Periodic checks at work illustrate variable reinforcement, where performance is assessed irregularly.
- Client payments at irregular intervals (law practice) show unpredictability in financial rewards.
-
Variable Ratio Examples:
- Telemarketing for insurance illustrates the unpredictability of sales, with success coming after an uncertain number of calls.
- Fundraising through door-to-door sales reinforces perseverance and adaptability, leading to success after varying efforts.
Summary of Concepts
- Reinforcement schedules influence behavior through the timing and frequency of rewards.
- Fixed schedules offer predictable reinforcement, while variable schedules create uncertainty that can enhance engagement and persistence.
- Contextual real-life examples illustrate how these concepts apply in everyday situations, providing relatable insights into behavior modification and motivation strategies.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz provides examples of fixed interval, fixed ratio, and other types of schedules in behavioral psychology. Each card presents a scenario to help you differentiate between these concepts. Test your understanding with these practical examples!
