Asked by Kenneth Yanga on May 25, 2024
Verified
Betsy's favorite activity is to go to the riverboat in order to play the slot machines. Her gambling behavior is being reinforced on a ________ schedule.
A) fixed-interval
B) fixed-ratio
C) variable-ratio
D) variable-interval
Slot Machines
Slot machines are gambling devices operated by inserting coins into a slot and pulling a handle or pushing a button to activate one to three or more reels marked into horizontal segments by varying symbols.
Variable-ratio
In behaviorism, a variable-ratio schedule is a reinforcement strategy where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable number of responses, often leading to high and consistent response rates.
Gambling Behavior
Activities related to betting and wagering with the risk of losing possessions or money, often examined from psychological and socio-economic perspectives.
- Scrutinizing the role reinforcement schedules play in preserving behaviors.
Verified Answer
GJ
Gisella JacqueMay 30, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Betsy's behavior of playing slot machines is being reinforced on a variable-ratio schedule. This is because she is being reinforced after a variable number of responses (spins of the slot machine), which is the defining characteristic of a variable-ratio schedule. This type of schedule is known to produce high rates of responding and is often used in gambling settings.
Learning Objectives
- Scrutinizing the role reinforcement schedules play in preserving behaviors.