Which schedule of reinforcement requires a specific number of responses to earn a reinforcer?

Which schedule of reinforcement requires a specific number of responses to earn a reinforcer?

• A. Fixed interval
• B. Variable ratio
• C. Fixed ratio
• D. Variable interval

Answer: (C)

The schedule of reinforcement that requires a specific number of responses to earn a reinforcer is indeed the fixed ratio schedule. In this type of schedule, reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses have been made. For example, a worker in a factory might be paid for every 10 items they produce; this constitutes a fixed ratio since the reward is dependent on a specific and consistent number of responses (in this case, the items produced). This method of reinforcement is particularly effective because it encourages high rates of responding—the more a person works, the more rewards they earn. It contrasts with other schedules where the timing or variability of responses is the determining factor for reinforcement. For instance, the fixed interval schedule provides reinforcement after a fixed period of time has passed, regardless of the number of responses, while the variable ratio schedule reinforces behavior after a varied number of responses, which could lead to less predictability in the earning of rewards. The variable interval schedule, on the other hand, reinforces after an unpredictable amount of time has elapsed, which does not depend on the number of responses at all.

The schedule of reinforcement that requires a specific number of responses to earn a reinforcer is indeed the fixed ratio schedule. In this type of schedule, reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses have been made. For example, a worker in a factory might be paid for every 10 items they produce; this constitutes a fixed ratio since the reward is dependent on a specific and consistent number of responses (in this case, the items produced).

This method of reinforcement is particularly effective because it encourages high rates of responding—the more a person works, the more rewards they earn. It contrasts with other schedules where the timing or variability of responses is the determining factor for reinforcement.

For instance, the fixed interval schedule provides reinforcement after a fixed period of time has passed, regardless of the number of responses, while the variable ratio schedule reinforces behavior after a varied number of responses, which could lead to less predictability in the earning of rewards. The variable interval schedule, on the other hand, reinforces after an unpredictable amount of time has elapsed, which does not depend on the number of responses at all.