What is a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule?

Reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses

Reinforcement is given after a fixed amount of time

Reinforcement is given after a random number of responses

Reinforcement is given after a random amount of time

What is an example of a variable-interval schedule?

A slot machine that pays out after a random number of pulls

A teacher gives a quiz every Monday

A slot machine that pays out after a random number of pulls

A child is rewarded for cleaning their room every 5 minutes

A worker receives a bonus after a random number of sales

What is the major disadvantage of using a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement?

The responses tend to be too fast and stop abruptly

The responses become too predictable

The responses tend to be too fast and stop abruptly

The individual is less likely to repeat the behavior

Reinforcement takes too long to occur

What is an example of a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule in a workplace setting?

A sales employee receives a commission after every 10 sales

A worker gets paid on a weekly schedule

An employee gets a bonus after working for 5 years

A teacher provides extra credit after a student answers 3 questions correctly

What is the primary characteristic of a variable-ratio schedule?

Reinforcement is given after a random number of responses

Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses

Reinforcement is delivered after a variable amount of time

Reinforcement is given after a random number of responses

Reinforcement is given after a random amount of time

Schedules of Reinforcement in Behavioral Psychology: Exam MCQs

Questions: 40

Questions

1. What is a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule?
- a) Reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses
- b) Reinforcement is given after a fixed amount of time
- c) Reinforcement is given after a random number of responses
- d) Reinforcement is given after a random amount of time
2. What is an example of a variable-interval schedule?
- a) A teacher gives a quiz every Monday
- b) A slot machine that pays out after a random number of pulls
- c) A child is rewarded for cleaning their room every 5 minutes
- d) A worker receives a bonus after a random number of sales
3. In which type of schedule does reinforcement occur after a variable amount of time has passed?
- a) Fixed-ratio
- b) Fixed-interval
- c) Variable-interval
- d) Variable-ratio
4. What is the major disadvantage of using a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement?
- a) The responses become too predictable
- b) The responses tend to be too fast and stop abruptly
- c) The individual is less likely to repeat the behavior
- d) Reinforcement takes too long to occur
5. Which reinforcement schedule has the highest resistance to extinction?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
6. What is an example of a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule in a workplace setting?
- a) A sales employee receives a commission after every 10 sales
- b) A worker gets paid on a weekly schedule
- c) An employee gets a bonus after working for 5 years
- d) A teacher provides extra credit after a student answers 3 questions correctly
7. Which schedule of reinforcement is least likely to lead to predictable behavior?
- a) Variable-ratio
- b) Fixed-interval
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
8. Which type of reinforcement schedule would best maintain a high level of behavior once learned?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
9. What is the primary characteristic of a variable-ratio schedule?
- a) Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses
- b) Reinforcement is delivered after a variable amount of time
- c) Reinforcement is given after a random number of responses
- d) Reinforcement is given after a random amount of time
10. Which reinforcement schedule results in the most consistent and steady response rate?
- a) Variable-ratio
- b) Fixed-ratio
- c) Fixed-interval
- d) Variable-interval
11. An example of a fixed-interval reinforcement schedule is:
- a) Giving a child a sticker for every 3 times they answer correctly
- b) Receiving a paycheck at the end of each month
- c) A dog receiving food for sitting every 5 minutes
- d) A student getting a reward after 5 correct answers
12. What is a key feature of the variable-ratio reinforcement schedule?
- a) The schedule is predictable
- b) Reinforcement is given after a fixed amount of time
- c) The number of responses needed for reinforcement varies
- d) Reinforcement occurs after a fixed number of responses
13. A worker who gets a reward every time they complete a fixed number of tasks is on which schedule?
- a) Variable-interval
- b) Fixed-ratio
- c) Fixed-interval
- d) Variable-ratio
14. Which of the following is an example of a variable-interval schedule?
- a) A person receives an email after every 5 minutes of waiting
- b) A supervisor gives praise after a random number of reports are completed
- c) A student receives extra time on homework after random intervals
- d) A person receives a reward after performing a task a certain number of times
15. What is the most likely outcome of reinforcement on a variable-ratio schedule?
- a) Rapid responses followed by a break
- b) Slow and steady responses with few bursts
- c) A predictable pattern of responses
- d) Responses at a consistent rate with no pauses
16. Which schedule is used in gambling, where the reward is unpredictable?
- a) Variable-ratio
- b) Fixed-interval
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
17. In a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule, how does the number of responses needed to obtain reinforcement change?
- a) It remains constant
- b) It decreases over time
- c) It changes randomly
- d) It increases incrementally
18. In operant conditioning, what does a variable-interval schedule of reinforcement result in?
- a) A predictable pattern of behavior
- b) A steady but low rate of response
- c) A high but uneven rate of response
- d) A high rate of response followed by complete extinction
19. In a variable-interval schedule, how is the timing of reinforcement determined?
- a) It is fixed at set intervals of time
- b) It is random and unpredictable
- c) It follows a consistent pattern over time
- d) It is based on a fixed number of responses
20. Which reinforcement schedule is likely to produce a "post-reinforcement pause" where no responses occur right after reinforcement?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
21. What typically occurs with behavior maintained by a variable-ratio schedule?
- a) Responses are rapid and continuous, with no predictable pauses
- b) Responses become slow and erratic
- c) Responses occur in bursts followed by long pauses
- d) Responses are predictable with long pauses between them
22. In a fixed-ratio schedule, the ratio of responses to reinforcement is:
- a) Variable and unpredictable
- b) Fixed and predictable
- c) Based on the timing of responses
- d) Based on the amount of time between reinforcements
23. Which reinforcement schedule is used in slot machines, where a random number of pulls results in a win?
- a) Variable-ratio
- b) Fixed-interval
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
24. Which schedule of reinforcement typically results in the highest rate of responding?
- a) Fixed-ratio
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Fixed-interval
- d) Variable-interval
25. What behavior pattern is commonly observed in a fixed-interval schedule right before reinforcement?
- a) High rate of response
- b) Low rate of response
- c) Scalloped response pattern
- d) Continuous rate of response
26. Which schedule would be best for reinforcing a behavior over a long period of time?
- a) Fixed-ratio
- b) Variable-interval
- c) Fixed-interval
- d) Variable-ratio
27. In which type of reinforcement schedule do responses typically increase as the time for reinforcement approaches?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Variable-interval
- d) Fixed-ratio
28. What is a characteristic of the fixed-interval reinforcement schedule?
- a) Reinforcement is given after a set number of responses
- b) Reinforcement is given after a set time interval
- c) Responses are consistent and rapid
- d) Reinforcement is unpredictable
29. What is an example of a fixed-interval schedule in real life?
- a) Receiving a paycheck at the end of each week
- b) Getting paid after every 10 sales
- c) Receiving a random email after waiting for some time
- d) A student getting a reward for every 5 correct answers
30. What is the main characteristic of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule?
- a) It reinforces after a fixed number of responses
- b) The amount of time before reinforcement is fixed
- c) The number of responses needed for reinforcement varies
- d) Reinforcement occurs after a set time interval
31. What is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of a fixed-ratio schedule?
- a) The unpredictability of reinforcement
- b) The time between reinforcements
- c) The fixed number of responses required for reinforcement
- d) The randomness of reinforcement
32. In which reinforcement schedule do individuals typically show a "post-reinforcement pause"?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-interval
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-ratio
33. A person receives reinforcement every 10th time they engage in a desired behavior. This is an example of which schedule?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
34. Which of the following schedules produces the most resistance to extinction?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Variable-ratio
- c) Variable-interval
- d) Fixed-ratio
35. What is the most common type of reinforcement schedule used in slot machines?
- a) Fixed-interval
- b) Fixed-ratio
- c) Variable-interval
- d) Variable-ratio
36. What is an example of a variable-interval reinforcement schedule in real life?
- a) Receiving a paycheck every 2 weeks
- b) Receiving an email at random times during the day
- c) A student is rewarded after every 5 correct answers
- d) A dog gets a treat after sitting for an unpredictable amount of time
37. Which type of reinforcement schedule is most effective for generating high rates of response in the short term?
- a) Fixed-ratio
- b) Variable-interval
- c) Variable-ratio
- d) Fixed-interval
38. A worker receives a bonus after completing a task a random number of times. This is an example of which schedule?
- a) Fixed-ratio
- b) Variable-interval
- c) Fixed-interval
- d) Variable-ratio
39. Which reinforcement schedule is most likely to produce a response pattern characterized by irregular bursts of activity?
- a) Variable-ratio
- b) Fixed-interval
- c) Fixed-ratio
- d) Variable-interval
40. Which schedule of reinforcement tends to result in a response pattern that is the most predictable and stable?
- a) Variable-ratio
- b) Fixed-ratio
- c) Fixed-interval
- d) Variable-interval

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Take this exam and evaluate your understanding of the subject.

Schedules of Reinforcement in Behavioral Psychology: Exam MCQs

1. What is a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule?

2. What is an example of a variable-interval schedule?

3. In which type of schedule does reinforcement occur after a variable amount of time has passed?

4. What is the major disadvantage of using a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement?

5. Which reinforcement schedule has the highest resistance to extinction?

6. What is an example of a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule in a workplace setting?

7. Which schedule of reinforcement is least likely to lead to predictable behavior?

8. Which type of reinforcement schedule would best maintain a high level of behavior once learned?

9. What is the primary characteristic of a variable-ratio schedule?

10. Which reinforcement schedule results in the most consistent and steady response rate?

11. An example of a fixed-interval reinforcement schedule is:

12. What is a key feature of the variable-ratio reinforcement schedule?

13. A worker who gets a reward every time they complete a fixed number of tasks is on which schedule?

14. Which of the following is an example of a variable-interval schedule?

15. What is the most likely outcome of reinforcement on a variable-ratio schedule?

16. Which schedule is used in gambling, where the reward is unpredictable?

17. In a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule, how does the number of responses needed to obtain reinforcement change?

18. In operant conditioning, what does a variable-interval schedule of reinforcement result in?

19. In a variable-interval schedule, how is the timing of reinforcement determined?

20. Which reinforcement schedule is likely to produce a "post-reinforcement pause" where no responses occur right after reinforcement?

21. What typically occurs with behavior maintained by a variable-ratio schedule?

22. In a fixed-ratio schedule, the ratio of responses to reinforcement is:

23. Which reinforcement schedule is used in slot machines, where a random number of pulls results in a win?

24. Which schedule of reinforcement typically results in the highest rate of responding?

25. What behavior pattern is commonly observed in a fixed-interval schedule right before reinforcement?

26. Which schedule would be best for reinforcing a behavior over a long period of time?

27. In which type of reinforcement schedule do responses typically increase as the time for reinforcement approaches?

28. What is a characteristic of the fixed-interval reinforcement schedule?

29. What is an example of a fixed-interval schedule in real life?

30. What is the main characteristic of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule?

31. What is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of a fixed-ratio schedule?

32. In which reinforcement schedule do individuals typically show a "post-reinforcement pause"?

33. A person receives reinforcement every 10th time they engage in a desired behavior. This is an example of which schedule?

34. Which of the following schedules produces the most resistance to extinction?

35. What is the most common type of reinforcement schedule used in slot machines?

36. What is an example of a variable-interval reinforcement schedule in real life?

37. Which type of reinforcement schedule is most effective for generating high rates of response in the short term?

38. A worker receives a bonus after completing a task a random number of times. This is an example of which schedule?

39. Which reinforcement schedule is most likely to produce a response pattern characterized by irregular bursts of activity?

40. Which schedule of reinforcement tends to result in a response pattern that is the most predictable and stable?

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