Question 1

A very high rate of responding is produced by a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A)fixed interval
B)fixed ratio
C)variable interval
D)variable ratio

Accepted Answer

A high rate of responding is produced by a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement. This schedule is based on a variable number of responses needed to receive a reinforcement, which leads to high and consistent responding in order to obtain the reward.

Question 2

On a fixed-ratio schedule reinforcement is given _________ .
A)for the first correct response after randomly varying amounts of time have passed
B)for the next correct response after a fixed number of responses have been made
C)for the first correct response after a fixed amount of time has passed
D)for the next correct response after a varying number of responses have been made

Accepted Answer

On a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given for the next correct response after a fixed number of responses have been made. For example, a rat may receive food pellets after every 10 lever presses.

Question 3

Anything that increases the likelihood that a behavior will occur more frequently is called a(n)__________ .
A)aversive control
B)punishment
C)antecedent
D)reinforcer

Accepted Answer

A reinforcer is anything that increases the likelihood that a behavior will occur more frequently. Aversive control and punishment both decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring, and an antecedent is a stimulus that precedes a behavior.

Question 4

Your professor has informed you at the beginning of the term that you will have eight tests--but they will all be unannounced.This is most similar to a _______ reinforcement schedule.
A)fixed interval
B)fixed ratio
C)variable interval
D)variable ratio

Accepted Answer

In a variable interval reinforcement schedule, reinforcement is delivered after a varying amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement. In this case, the eight unannounced tests will be spaced out over the course of the term, with varying amounts of time between them. This is similar to a variable interval schedule.

Question 5

Sandy's favorite activity is to go to Las Vegas and play the slot machines.Her gambling behavior is being reinforced on a __________ schedule.
A)fixed-ratio
B)fixed-interval
C)variable-ratio
D)variable-interval

Accepted Answer

A variable-ratio schedule reinforces a behavior after an unpredictable number of responses. In the case of slot machines, the reinforcement (winning money) comes after an unpredictable number of times playing the machine. This type of schedule is known to be highly resistant to extinction, which may explain why Sandy may continue to gamble in Las Vegas despite losing money in the long run.

Question 6

The only vending machine in your dorm is notorious for delivering its merchandise only occasionally when people put money in it.This is most similar to a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A)fixed interval
B)fixed ratio
C)variable interval
D)variable ratio

Accepted Answer

A variable ratio schedule of reinforcement delivers rewards after an unpredictable number of responses. This unpredictability is similar to the vending machine's occasional delivery of merchandise, making it most similar to a variable ratio schedule. Fixed interval and fixed ratio schedules involve predictable patterns, and a variable interval schedule involves time, not the number of responses.

Question 7

Research suggests that delayed reinforcement ____________ .

A)is much more effective than immediate reinforcement
B)is slightly more effective than immediate reinforcement
C)is equally effective as immediate reinforcement
D)is less effective than immediate reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that delayed reinforcement is less effective than immediate reinforcement. This is because the longer the delay between the behavior and the reinforcement, the weaker the association becomes between the two. Immediate reinforcement provides a more clear and direct feedback to the behavior, making it more effective in shaping future behavior.

Question 8

Five-year-old Tommy is helping get ready for a family reunion at Thanksgiving by polishing the good silverware.If his mother gives him a dime for each piece he polishes,what kind of reinforcement schedule is she using?
A)fixed interval
B)fixed ratio
C)variable interval
D)variable ratio

Accepted Answer

Tommy is being reinforced on a fixed ratio schedule because he receives a dime for every piece of silverware he polishes.

Question 9

On a fixed-interval schedule,reinforcement is given ________.
A)for the first correct response after a specific amount of time has passed
B)for correct responses after randomly varying amounts of time have passed
C)after a specific number of responses are given
D)after a randomly varying number of responses are given

Accepted Answer

On a fixed-interval schedule, reinforcement is given for the first correct response after a specific amount of time has passed.

Question 10

A reinforcer that removes something unpleasant from a situation is called a __________ reinforcer.
A)positive
B)negative
C)primary
D)secondary

Accepted Answer

A negative reinforcer is a stimulus that is removed after a certain behavior is exhibited. It strengthens the behavior because it removes an unpleasant situation from the individual's surroundings.

Question 11

The schedule of reinforcement that yields the slowest increase in a behavior and the fastest extinction of the behavior when the schedule is stopped is ________.
A)variable ratio
B)continuous reinforcement
C)partial reinforcement
D)fixed interval

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement results in the fastest increase in behavior, but also the fastest extinction when the reinforcement stops. Partial reinforcement, which includes variable ratio, tends to result in slower initial learning but makes the behavior more resistant to extinction in the long run. Fixed interval schedules result in a consistent pattern of behavior with a brief increase in responding right before the reinforcement is due, but may not be as effective at maintaining the behavior over time compared to variable schedules.

Question 12

According to the law of effect,a behavior is MOST likely to be stamped in,or repeated,when it is __________ .
A)ignored
B)preceded by reinforcement
C)followed by reinforcement
D)accompanied by a neutral stimulus

Accepted Answer

The law of effect states that behaviors followed by positive reinforcement are more likely to be repeated or "stamped in." Therefore, the correct answer is C).

Question 13

Lila doesn't like her psychology class because the instructor uses unannounced pop exams to test the class.As a result,she never knows when she will be tested.Her instructor is testing her on a __________ schedule.
A)fixed-ratio
B)fixed-interval
C)variable-ratio
D)variable-interval

Accepted Answer

The unannounced pop exams are being conducted on a variable interval schedule since the time between each pop exam is random and unannounced.

Question 14

Linda sees a sign on a farmer's fence that reads: HELP ME PICK STRAWBERRIES.FOR EVERY 5 QUARTS YOU PICK,KEEP ONE FOR YOURSELF.If Linda decides to pick strawberries for this farmer,she would be under a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A)fixed interval
B)fixed ratio
C)variable interval
D)variable ratio

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, where a specific number of responses (picking 5 quarts of strawberries) must be made to receive a reinforcement (keeping one quart for oneself).

Question 15

On a fixed-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________.
A)for correct responses after randomly varying amounts of time have passed
B)after a specific number of responses are given
C)for the first correct response after a specific amount of time has passed
D)after a randomly varying number of responses are given

Accepted Answer

On a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given after a specific number of responses are given.

Question 16

An infant who is fed every four hours is on a schedule that is SIMILAR to which of the following?
A)fixed ratio
B)variable ratio
C)fixed interval
D)variable interval

Accepted Answer

A fixed interval schedule involves the reinforcement of a behavior after a set amount of time has passed. In the case of an infant being fed every four hours, the reinforcement (food) is given after a fixed interval of time (four hours). This is similar to a fixed interval schedule.

Question 17

On a variable-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________ .
A)for the first correct response after a fixed amount of time has passed
B)for the first correct response after varying amounts of time have passed
C)for the next correct response after a fixed number of responses have been made
D)for the next correct response after a varying number of responses have been made

Accepted Answer

On a variable-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given after a varying number of responses have been made. This means that the behavior being reinforced is more resistant to extinction because the individual does not know when the reinforcement is coming and has to keep responding in order to receive it. This type of reinforcement schedule is often used in gambling, where the payouts occur randomly, leading individuals to keep playing despite the odds against them.

Question 18

A reinforcer that is reinforcing in and of itself is called a ________ reinforcer.
A)direct
B)delayed
C)primary
D)secondary

Accepted Answer

Primary reinforcers are biologically important and inherently reinforcing, such as food, water, and shelter. Direct and Delayed reinforcers refer to when the reinforcement is delivered, and Secondary reinforcers are learned and gain their reinforcing value through association with primary reinforcers.

Question 19

Gretta spends a lot of time at the race track betting on ponies,and occasionally she wins.The frequency of her betting is controlled by which of the following?
A)fixed ratio schedules
B)a continuous reinforcement schedule
C)a partial schedule of reinforcement
D)luck

Accepted Answer

The frequency of Gretta's betting is controlled by a partial schedule of reinforcement, as she occasionally wins, indicating that reinforcement is not continuous.

Question 20

A person receiving a monthly salary is on a:
A)continuous reinforcement schedule.
B)fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement.
C)fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement.
D)variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

A person receiving a monthly salary is on a fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement because they receive the reinforcement (paycheck) at a fixed interval (monthly).

Quiz 4: Learning

A very high rate of responding is produced by a _______ schedule of reinforcement.

On a fixed-ratio schedule reinforcement is given _________ .

Anything that increases the likelihood that a behavior will occur more frequently is called a(n) __________ .

Your professor has informed you at the beginning of the term that you will have eight tests--but they will all be unannounced.This is most similar to a _______ reinforcement schedule.

Sandy's favorite activity is to go to Las Vegas and play the slot machines.Her gambling behavior is being reinforced on a __________ schedule.

The only vending machine in your dorm is notorious for delivering its merchandise only occasionally when people put money in it.This is most similar to a _______ schedule of reinforcement.

Research suggests that delayed reinforcement ____________ .

Five-year-old Tommy is helping get ready for a family reunion at Thanksgiving by polishing the good silverware.If his mother gives him a dime for each piece he polishes,what kind of reinforcement schedule is she using?

On a fixed-interval schedule,reinforcement is given ________.

A reinforcer that removes something unpleasant from a situation is called a __________ reinforcer.

The schedule of reinforcement that yields the slowest increase in a behavior and the fastest extinction of the behavior when the schedule is stopped is ________.

According to the law of effect,a behavior is MOST likely to be stamped in,or repeated,when it is __________ .

Lila doesn't like her psychology class because the instructor uses unannounced pop exams to test the class.As a result,she never knows when she will be tested.Her instructor is testing her on a __________ schedule.

Linda sees a sign on a farmer's fence that reads: HELP ME PICK STRAWBERRIES.FOR EVERY 5 QUARTS YOU PICK,KEEP ONE FOR YOURSELF.If Linda decides to pick strawberries for this farmer,she would be under a _______ schedule of reinforcement.

On a fixed-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________.

An infant who is fed every four hours is on a schedule that is SIMILAR to which of the following?

On a variable-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________ .

A reinforcer that is reinforcing in and of itself is called a ________ reinforcer.

Gretta spends a lot of time at the race track betting on ponies,and occasionally she wins.The frequency of her betting is controlled by which of the following?

A person receiving a monthly salary is on a: