What best describes the acquisition difficulty of Variable Ratio schedules?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the nature of the acquisition difficulty associated with Variable Ratio schedules in the context of learning or conditioning. It is seeking the best description of how challenging it is to learn or acquire behaviors under this type of reinforcement schedule.
Answer
Variable ratio schedules are unpredictable and challenging to acquire initially due to reinforcement after a random number of responses.
A variable ratio schedule is described as a reinforcement schedule in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable or random number of responses. This creates high and steady response rates, making it difficult to predict and therefore challenging to acquire initially.
Answer for screen readers
A variable ratio schedule is described as a reinforcement schedule in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable or random number of responses. This creates high and steady response rates, making it difficult to predict and therefore challenging to acquire initially.
More Information
Variable ratio schedules are often used in situations where establishing a high rate of responding is desired, such as in gambling or video games, where rewards are received after an unpredictable number of actions.
Sources
- Reinforcement Schedules | Introduction to Psychology - courses.lumenlearning.com
- How Schedules of Reinforcement Work - Verywell Mind - verywellmind.com
- Variable Ratio Schedule & Examples Uncovered - brighterstridesaba.com
