Question

a rat always completes a maze successfully but is only rewarded every third trial. the rat is being rewarded using which of the following reinforcement schedules? a fixed - interval b fixed - ratio c variable - ratio d variable - interval

Explanation:

• Fixed - interval: Reinforcement after a fixed time period, not based on number of trials.
• Fixed - ratio: Reinforcement after a fixed number of responses (here, every third trial).
• Variable - ratio: Reinforcement after a variable number of responses.
• Variable - interval: Reinforcement after a variable time period.

Since the rat is rewarded every third (fixed number) trial, it is a fixed - ratio schedule.

Answer:

B. Fixed - ratio