When Jonesy makes his rounds around the production floor, he keeps $50 VISA gift cards in his pockets. If he sees someone going above-and-beyond their role, he hands them a gift card. The employees never know when Jonesy will make his rounds, but anticipating his appearance causes people to work hard to get rewarded. This is an example of which type of intermittent reinforcement?
A) fixed ratio schedule
B) fixed interval schedule
C) variable interval schedule
D) variable ratio schedule

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of a variable interval schedule because the rewards (VISA gift cards) are given at unpredictable time intervals, depending on when Jonesy decides to make his rounds. The employees cannot predict exactly when he will appear, so they continuously work hard in hopes of receiving a reward.

When Jonesy Makes His Rounds Around the Production Floor, He