Temper tantrums are usually hard to extinguish because they have been maintained on a
A) fixed-interval schedule.
B) variable-interval schedule.
C) variable-ratio schedule.
D) fixed-ratio schedule.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Temper tantrums are often maintained on a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement, meaning the behavior is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses, making it very resistant to extinction. This unpredictability in reinforcement makes the behavior more likely to persist because the individual never knows when the next reinforcement (e.g., attention, getting what they want) might come, so they continue the behavior in hope of a reward.

Temper Tantrums Are Usually Hard to Extinguish Because They Have