Psychology Chapter on Schedules of Reinforcement

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Questions and Answers

What does a continuous reinforcement schedule require?

Every specified response is reinforced. (correct)

An unpredictable number of responses for reinforcement.

Only some responses are reinforced.

A fixed number of responses for reinforcement.

Which of the following is characteristic of a fixed ratio schedule?

It produces a low and steady rate of response.

Reinforcement follows an unpredictable number of responses.

Each response is reinforced continuously.

Reinforcement is contingent upon a fixed, predictable number of responses. (correct)

What distinguishes a variable ratio schedule from a fixed ratio schedule?

It always requires the same number of responses.

Reinforcement is provided after every response.

It results in low rates of behavior.

It has an unpredictable number of responses for reinforcement. (correct)

What might cause ratio strain in a fixed ratio schedule?

An overly demanding response requirement. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best exemplifies a variable ratio schedule?

A slot machine where a player wins after an unpredictable number of pulls. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of schedule tends to produce a high and steady rate of response?

Variable ratio schedule. Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits intermittent reinforcement schedules?

Only some responses are reinforced. Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral phenomenon is best illustrated by a fixed ratio schedule?

Long pauses followed by bursts of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of a fixed interval schedule of reinforcement?

Responses are reinforced only after a predictable time has elapsed. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a variable interval schedule?

Checking your phone for notifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a fixed duration schedule?

Performing an activity continuously for an hour to earn a reward. Signup and view all the answers

What pattern of responding is typically observed in a fixed interval schedule?

A scalloped pattern with post-reinforcement pauses. Signup and view all the answers

In a variable duration schedule, reinforcement is contingent upon what?

A continuously varying period of behavior performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which reinforcement schedule would likely produce a post-reinforcement pause?

Fixed interval schedule. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the differential reinforcement of high rates from other schedules?

It's contingent upon achieving a fast rate of a specific response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of a variable interval reinforcement schedule?

Responses tend to be delivered reliably at unpredictable times. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates?

Reinforcement occurs only if responses are slowly spaced apart. Signup and view all the answers

In Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding, what type of reinforcement is provided?

Reinforcement for responses that occur at a predetermined rate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Fixed Time (FT) schedule?

Reinforcement is given following a specific, consistent duration of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of NonContingent Schedules of reinforcement?

Reinforcement occurs independently of the key's behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates a Variable Time (VT) schedule of reinforcement?

Running into a friend approximately every three months. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Conjunctive Schedules from other reinforcement schedules?

They require meeting the criteria of two or more simple schedules for reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What type of schedule is described when the response requirement changes according to performance in previous trials?

Adjusting Schedule Signup and view all the answers

Which example best represents an application of Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates?

An athlete rewarded for maintaining a slow and consistent running pace. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal gradient effect?

The increase in motivation as the goal is approached. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Drive Reduction Theory, a reinforcing event is associated with what?

A decrease in physiological drive. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of reinforcement, what does the Premack Principle suggest?

A high-frequency behavior can be used to reinforce a low-frequency behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a chained schedule in operant conditioning?

A sequence of simple schedules that conclude with a terminal reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of response deprivation hypothesis on behaviors?

Restriction of a behavior decreases its preference level. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates someone to engage in activities such as going to a concert according to incentive motivation?

The enjoyment derived from the activity itself. Signup and view all the answers

What role does crossing off items on a to-do list play in motivation?

It functions as a secondary reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might the goal gradient effect be observed in a student's behavior?

Working more intensely as the essay deadline draws near. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schedules of Reinforcement

Schedule of Reinforcement specifies the response requirement needed to obtain reinforcement.
Continuous Reinforcement Schedule reinforces each specified response.
Intermittent (Partial) Reinforcement Schedule reinforces only some responses.
Four Types of Intermittent Schedules:
- Fixed Ratio Schedule: Reinforcement is contingent on a fixed number of responses.
  - FR 5 - a rat must press the lever 5 times to get a food pellet.
  - Produces high response rate with short pauses after reinforcement.
  - Dense: Low ratio requirement.
  - Lean: High ratio requirement.
  - Ratio Strain: Disruption in responding due to a demanding requirement.
- Variable Ratio Schedule: Reinforcement depends on a varying, unpredictable number of responses.
  - Produces high and steady response rate with little post-reinforcement pause.
  - VR 5 - a rat needs an average of 5 lever presses for each food pellet, but the number of presses required can vary.
  - Helps explain the persistence of maladaptive behaviors.
- Fixed Interval Schedule: Reinforcement is contingent on the first response after a fixed period of time.
  - Produces a "scalloped" pattern of responding, with a pause after reinforcement and an increasing rate as the interval approaches.
- Variable Interval Schedule: Reinforcement is contingent on the first response after a varying, unpredictable period of time.
  - Generates a moderate and steady response rate with little post-reinforcement pause.

Simple Schedules of Reinforcement

Duration Schedules: Reinforcement is contingent on continuous behavior for a period of time.
- Fixed Duration Schedule: Behavior must be performed continuously for a fixed period.
- Variable Duration Schedule: Behavior must be performed continuously for a varying, unpredictable period.
Response-Rate Schedules: Reinforcement is directly contingent on the organism's rate of response.
- Differential Reinforcement of High Rates: Reinforcement is provided for responding at a fast rate.
- Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates: Reinforcement is provided for responding at a slow rate.
- Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding: Reinforcement is provided for responding at a specific rate.

NonContingent Schedules

NonContingent Schedules: The reinforcer is delivered independent of any response, without any requirement.
- Fixed Time (FT) Schedule: The reinforcer is delivered after a fixed period, regardless of behavior.
- Variable Time (VT) Schedule: The reinforcer is delivered after a varying, unpredictable period, regardless of behavior.

Complex Schedules of Reinforcement

Complex Schedules: Combinations of two or more simple schedules.
- Conjunctive Schedules: Requirements of two or more simple schedules must be met for reinforcement.
- Adjusting Schedules: The response requirement changes based on the organism's performance.
- Chained Schedules: A sequence of simple schedules, each with its own stimulus and the last resulting in a terminal reinforcer.
  - Goal Gradient Effect: Increased responding as the goal is approached.

Theories of Reinforcement

Drive Reduction Theory: Reinforcing events are associated with physiological drive reduction.
The Premack Principle: High-probability behaviors can reinforce low-probability behaviors.
Response Deprivation Hypothesis: A behavior can be reinforcing if access is restricted and its frequency falls below its preferred level.

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Description

Explore the various schedules of reinforcement in this quiz. Understand continuous and intermittent reinforcement schedules, along with the four types of intermittent schedules: fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval. Test your knowledge and grasp important concepts related to behavioral conditioning.