Gloria is a 70-year-old woman who has developed a gambling disorder. She spends countless hours in the casino, exclusively at the slot machines. Given that slot machines are her game, which operant conditioning schedule has Gloria become influenced by?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gloria's behavior of continuously playing the slot machines indicates that she is likely influenced by a variable ratio schedule, where the reinforcement (winning money) is provided on a variable and unpredictable basis, leading to persistent behavior despite occasional losses. This is the most effective schedule for maintaining behavior, sometimes referred to as the "gambling reinforcement schedule."

Gloria Is a 70-Year-Old Woman Who Has Developed a Gambling