Several boys dive for the coin each time one is tossed in the water. For the typical boy, what schedule of reinforcement will this be?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The boys are receiving reinforcement (the coin) after a varying number of dives. This is consistent with a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement. With continuous reinforcement, the boys would receive a coin for every single dive, which is unlikely in this situation. A variable-interval schedule would involve reinforcement being given after a varying amount of time has passed, which is not the case here. Differential reinforcement of low rate involves reinforcing a behavior only if it occurs at a low rate, which is also not applicable in this scenario.

Several Boys Dive for the Coin Each Time One Is