Variable reinforcement schedules let desired behaviors endure for a longer time than fixed schedules.

Question

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Variable reinforcement schedules, where rewards are given after an unpredictable number of responses, make the behavior more resistant to extinction than fixed schedules, where rewards are given after a specific number of responses. This is because the unpredictability of the reinforcement maintains the behavior more consistently as the subject keeps trying in the hope of reward.

Variable Reinforcement Schedules Let Desired Behaviors Endure for a Longer