Question

which of the following is an example of fixed ratio reinforcement schedule?

playing the slot machine
taking a quick break from work at the top of every hour to rest your eyes and stretch your body
checking your e-mail at random times throughout the day instead of every time you hear the new e-mail notification
knowing you will get to play miniature golf as soon as you collect 10 gold stars for your reward chart

Explanation:

Define fixed ratio reinforcement

In Operant Conditioning, a fixed-ratio schedule delivers reinforcement only after a specific, unchanging number of responses have been made.

Analyze the first option

Playing a slot machine provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. This represents a variable-ratio schedule.

Analyze the second option

Taking a break at the top of every hour is based on a set, predictable passage of time. This represents a fixed-interval schedule.

Analyze the third option

Checking email at random times throughout the day is based on unpredictable intervals of time. This represents a variable-interval schedule.

Analyze the fourth option

Collecting exactly 10 gold stars to play miniature golf requires a set number of behaviors (responses) to get the reward. This is a fixed-ratio schedule.

Answer:

• playing the slot machine
• taking a quick break from work at the top of every hour to rest your eyes and stretch your body
• checking your e-mail at random times throughout the day instead of every time you hear the new e-mail notification
• knowing you will get to play miniature golf as soon as you collect 10 gold stars for your reward chart (Correct answer)