Question

question 20 not yet answered points out of 1 flag question
in the context of operant conditioning, which of the following statements is true of reinforcement?
oa. a fixed - ratio schedule produces a steady stream of responses.
ob. a continuous reinforcement schedule is the most effective reinforcement schedule with long - lasting results.
oc. a variable - ratio schedule of reinforcement elicits a low rate of response.
od. behavior lasts longer after reinforcement stops when it is learned under a partial reinforcement schedule

question 21 not yet answered points out of 1 flag question
a variable - ratio schedule is a schedule
a. that provides reinforcement for a response only if a fixed time period has elapsed, making overall rates of response relatively low
b. by which the time between reinforcement does not change, leading to an earlier extinction than in a fixed - ratio schedule
c. by which reinforcement occurs after a fluctuating number of responses rather than after a fixed number
d. by which reinforcement is given only after a specific number of responses are made

Explanation:

• Question 20:
• In operant conditioning, partial reinforcement schedules (like variable - ratio, fixed - ratio, etc.) lead to behaviors that are more resistant to extinction compared to continuous reinforcement. Continuous reinforcement (where every response is reinforced) is good for learning a new behavior quickly but not for long - term maintenance. Fixed - ratio schedules (e.g., every 5th response is reinforced) lead to a high rate of response with pauses after reinforcement. Variable - ratio schedules (e.g., on average every 5th response is reinforced, but the number varies) lead to a very high rate of response.
• Question 21:
• A variable - ratio schedule is defined as a schedule where reinforcement occurs after a fluctuating number of responses. For example, in a casino, a slot - machine might pay out after 3 pulls one time, then after 10 pulls the next time. A fixed - ratio schedule is when reinforcement is given after a specific number of responses (e.g., every 5th response). A fixed - interval schedule is when reinforcement is given after a fixed time period. A variable - interval schedule is when reinforcement is given after a fluctuating time period.

Answer:

• Question 20: D. Behavior lasts longer after reinforcement stops when it is learned under a partial reinforcement schedule
• Question 21: C. by which reinforcement occurs after a fluctuating number of responses rather than after a fixed number