The number of people who play high-stakes poker is increasing as a result of a number of cable television shows featuring professional poker players vying for $100,000 pots. In terms of reinforcement theory,which kind of reinforcement schedule motivates the behaviour of these card players?
A)variable ratio
B)fixed ratio
C)fixed interval
D)variable interval

Question

The number of people who play high-stakes poker is increasing as a result of a number of cable television shows featuring professional poker players vying for $100,000 pots. In terms of reinforcement theory,which kind of reinforcement schedule motivates the behaviour of these card players?
A)variable ratio  
B)fixed ratio  
C)fixed interval  
D)variable interval

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Variable ratio schedules of reinforcement are known to consistently produce high and steady rates of behaviour because the reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses. In the case of high-stakes poker players, the unpredictability of when they will win a significant pot (i.e. the reinforcement) keeps them engaged in the behaviour of playing poker.

The Number of People Who Play High-Stakes Poker Is Increasing