Schedules of Reinforcement - AP/CHS Psych

Front

What kind of schedule is Vi following if she is eagerly waiting to hear back from her mechanic about her car and decides to call and check if it's ready?

Back

Variable Interval

Answer explanation

Calling your mechanic is a behavior that occurs at unpredictable times, as you don't know when the car will be ready. This aligns with a Variable Interval schedule, where reinforcement is given after varying amounts of time.

Front

What kind of schedule do Ope, Vi, and Tyler follow when they wait for the clock to strike the magical hour for recess?

Back

Fixed Interval

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Fixed Interval' because the students go out for recess at the same fixed time every day, which is a characteristic of fixed interval schedules.

Front

Every year, Spike eagerly awaits his annual $.50 raise on his hourly wage. What kind of reinforcement schedule does this represent?

Back

Fixed Interval

Answer explanation

A $.50 raise each year represents a consistent increase over time, which is characteristic of a Fixed Interval schedule. This means the reward (raise) is given after a set period (yearly), rather than based on performance or varying intervals.

Front

Tyler is on a mission to earn a free flight by flying a certain number of miles with his favorite airline. Can you guess what kind of reward schedule this is?

Back

Fixed Ratio

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Fixed Ratio because you receive a free flight after accumulating a specific number of miles, which is a set amount (ratio) of miles flown, rather than a time-based or variable reward.

Front

What kind of schedule does the teacher's surprise pop quizzes sound like? Options: Fixed Interval, Fixed Ratio, Variable Interval, Variable Ratio

Back

Variable Interval

Answer explanation

Pop quizzes occur at unpredictable times, making the reinforcement of studying a variable interval schedule. This means the timing of the quizzes varies, which encourages consistent studying.

Front

Spike is on a fishing adventure and decides to search under rocks for worms to use as bait. What type of reinforcement schedule does this activity represent?

Back

Variable Ratio

Answer explanation

The child searching for worms under rocks represents a behavior where the reward (finding worms) is unpredictable. This aligns with a Variable Ratio schedule, where reinforcement is given after an unpredictable number of responses.

Front

What kind of payment schedule is Caitlin on for earning $10 for every 20 party subs she crafts?

Back

Fixed Ratio

Answer explanation

The payment of $10 for every 20 party subs made represents a Fixed Ratio schedule, as the reward is given after a specific number of responses (subs made) is achieved.

Front

What type of reinforcement schedule is Ava using when she eagerly rushes home from school every day at 4pm to feed her new fish?

Back

Fixed Interval

Answer explanation

Feeding your fish at the same time every day (4pm) represents a Fixed Interval schedule, as the behavior is reinforced after a set period of time, regardless of the number of times the behavior occurs.

Front

What kind of schedule is it when Caitlin eagerly awaits her paycheck every two weeks?

Back

Fixed Interval

Answer explanation

Getting a paycheck at the end of 2 weeks is an example of a Fixed Interval schedule, as it provides reinforcement (the paycheck) after a set period of time (2 weeks), regardless of the number of hours worked.

Front

What kind of schedule does Ope's magical mail delivery follow if it sometimes arrives at 1pm and other times closer to 2pm?

Back

Variable Interval

Answer explanation

The mail delivery times vary between 1pm and 2pm, indicating an unpredictable pattern. This aligns with a Variable Interval schedule, where reinforcement (mail delivery) occurs at irregular intervals.