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Chapter 6: Problem 8

3\. The steady, rapid responding of a person playing a slot machine is an example of the pattern of responding typically generated on a _________ schedule. A. fixed-ratio B. variable-ratio C. fixed-interval

Short Answer

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A. Fixed-ratio B. Variable-ratio C. Fixed-interval Answer: B. Variable-ratio

Step by step solution

01

Understanding reinforcement schedules

Reinforcement schedules are used to describe how often a certain behavior is reinforced, or rewarded, in order to promote its occurrence. There are four primary categories: fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval. Fixed-ratio schedules provide reinforcement after a specific number of responses have occurred. Variable-ratio schedules offer reinforcement after a varying number of responses that are unpredictable. Fixed-interval schedules deliver reinforcement only after a certain amount of time has elapsed, regardless of the number of responses. Finally, variable-interval schedules offer reinforcement at irregular time intervals, creating unpredictability for the individual.
02

Analyzing the given example

In the case of a person playing a slot machine, their behavior involves a rapid and steady responding action. This suggests that they are receiving reinforcement regularly, leading to a consistent engagement with the game. The question asks us to identify which of the three given options (fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, and fixed-interval) fits this behavioral pattern best.
03

Matching the behavior to the appropriate reinforcement schedule

Considering the descriptions provided in Step 1, it becomes evident that the variable-ratio schedule matches the behavior of the person playing the slot machine. This is because the variable-ratio schedule encourages rapid and steady responses due to the unpredictability of when the reinforcement might occur. Slot machines are indeed based on randomness and do not provide a reward after a fixed number of plays or after a specific amount of time. Therefore, the correct answer is: B. variable-ratio

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Positive reinforcement _______ the rate of responding; negative reinforcement _________ the rate of responding. A. increases; decreases B. decreases; increases C. increases; increases D. decreases; decreases

According to Rescorla, the strength of a conditioned response depends on: A. the number of trials in which the \(C S\) and US are paired. B. the number of trials in which the \(C S\) is presented alone. C. the percentage of trials in which the \(C S\) and US are paired. D. resistance to extinction.

After repeatedly pairing a tone with meat powder, Pavlov found that a dog will salivate when the tone is presented. Salivation to the tone is \(a(n)\) A. unconditioned stimulus. B. unconditioned response. C. conditioned stimulus.

Watson and Rayner (1920) conditioned "Little Albert" to fear white rats by banging a hammer on a steel bar as the child played with a white rat. Later, it was discovered that Albert feared not only white rats but white stuffed toys and Santa's beard as well. Albert's fear of these other objects can be attributed to: A. negative reinforcement. B. stimulus generalization. C. stimulus discrimination. D. an overactive imagination.

The link between media violence and subsequent aggressive behavior may be explained by: A. observational learning. B. noncontingent reinforcement. C. resistance to extinction. D. classical conditioning.
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