LM Schedules of Reinforcement

Which of the following is an example of a fixed-interval schedule?

• A student receives praise every time they complete five homework assignments.

• A dog gets a treat after a varying number of successful tricks.

• A worker receives a paycheck every two weeks.

• A gambler wins on a slot machine after an unpredictable number of plays.
  

According to the discrimination hypothesis, why might a behavior be more resistant to extinction on a variable schedule than on a fixed schedule?

• Because the behavior is always followed by reinforcement.

• Because it is harder for the individual to detect that reinforcement has stopped when it is delivered unpredictably.

• Because the individual receives reinforcement at regular and predictable intervals.

• Because the individual can predict exactly when the reinforcement will occur.

Which schedule of reinforcement is characterized by providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses?

• Fixed-Ratio

• Variable-Ratio

• Fixed-Interval

• Variable-Interval

Which scenario best illustrates an extinction outburst?

• A dog stops barking after realizing it no longer gets attention for barking.

• A child cries louder and more frequently when their parents stop giving in to tantrums.

• A rat gradually presses a lever less often when food pellets are no longer delivered.

• A student stops studying after receiving consistent failing grades despite their efforts.

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a variable-interval schedule?

• A pigeon receives a food pellet after pecking a button exactly 10 times.

• A worker receives a bonus for every 5 cars sold.

• A fisherman catches a fish at unpredictable times while fishing throughout the day.

• A student receives a grade on their term paper at the end of the semester.

A teacher gives students a gold star for every book report they complete. What type of reinforcement schedule is this?

• Fixed-Interval

• Variable-Interval

• Fixed-Ratio

• Variable-Ratio

Which example demonstrates the variability of behavior during extinction?

• A child continues to ask for candy in the same way after repeatedly being told "no."

• A pigeon stops pecking a key entirely after food is no longer delivered.

• A dog starts jumping, whining, and pawing when its owner stops giving treats for sitting.

• A student stops attending extra tutoring sessions after realizing they are no longer improving their grades.