Concepts and PrinciplesDifficulty 3/5
Which schedule of reinforcement typically produces a high, steady rate of responding with little post-reinforcement pausing?
- AVariable ratio
- BVariable interval
- CFixed ratio
- DFixed interval
Show answer and rationale
Correct: A. Variable-ratio schedules reinforce after an unpredictable number of responses, producing high steady rates with minimal pausing. Fixed ratio and fixed interval both produce post-reinforcement pauses, and variable interval produces a moderate steady rate.
- C — Fixed ratio produces a high rate but with a post-reinforcement pause.
- D — Fixed interval produces a scalloped pattern.
- B — Variable interval produces a moderate, steady rate.