Asked by Kanecia Thompson on Jul 07, 2024
Verified
The owner of a business shows up randomly three or four times a month and inquires about the employee's health, their families and how they are getting along at work. He also passes out a few extra dollars. The owner is reinforcing his employees on a __________
A) variable-interval schedule.
B) fixed-interval schedule.
C) variable-ratio schedule.
D) fixed-ratio schedule.
Variable-Interval Schedule
A reinforcement schedule in operant conditioning where responses are rewarded after unpredictable intervals of time.
Fixed-Ratio Schedule
In behavioral psychology, it's a schedule of reinforcement where a response is reinforced only after a specified number of responses, promoting a high and steady rate of response.
Reinforcing
In behavioral psychology, refers to any consequence that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
- Identify the distinctions between various reinforcement schedules (fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, variable-interval) and how they influence behavior.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 07, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
The owner is showing up randomly, which means there is no fixed interval between his visits. Additionally, he is reinforcing his employees by providing positive attention and a small bonus, which is a variable reinforcement (not the same amount every time). Therefore, the owner is using a variable-interval schedule to reinforce his employees.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the distinctions between various reinforcement schedules (fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, variable-interval) and how they influence behavior.