On a concurrent VI 20-sec VI 30-sec schedule, a rat emits an average of 15 responses per minute on the VI 20 alternative and 10 responses per minute on the VI 30 alternative. These results are consistent with
A) matching.
B) overmatching.
C) undermatching.
D) bias.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The results are consistent with matching, as the response rates on the two alternatives are proportional to the reinforcement rates on those alternatives. In a concurrent VI (variable interval) schedule, matching theory predicts that the proportion of responses on each alternative will match the proportion of reinforcements obtained from each alternative. The VI 20-sec schedule likely provides more frequent reinforcement than the VI 30-sec schedule, leading to a higher response rate on the VI 20 alternative, which is what was observed.

On a Concurrent VI 20-Sec VI 30-Sec Schedule, a Rat