Neil, a digital painter at an animation company, is given a monthly target of 15 projects. He completes 10 or 20 projects a month. He receives his monthly bonus as long as he manages to complete an average of 15 projects. In the context of reinforcement theory of motivation, which of the following intermittent reinforcement schedules does this scenario best illustrate?
A) A fixed interval reinforcement schedule
B) A fixed ratio reinforcement schedule
C) A variable ratio reinforcement schedule
D) A variable interval reinforcement schedule

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario best illustrates a variable ratio reinforcement schedule. In this schedule, the reinforcement (monthly bonus) occurs after a variable number of responses (projects completed). Neil's completion of 10 or 20 projects a month creates a variable ratio of completion to reinforcement. This type of schedule is known to produce high and steady rates of behavior.

Neil, a Digital Painter at an Animation Company, Is Given