The only vending machine in your dorm is notorious for delivering its merchandise only occasionally when people put money in it. This is most similar to a __________ schedule of reinforcement.
A) fixed interval
B) fixed ratio
C) variable interval
D) variable ratio

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A variable ratio schedule of reinforcement delivers rewards after an unpredictable number of responses. This unpredictability is similar to the vending machine's occasional delivery of merchandise, making it most similar to a variable ratio schedule. Fixed interval and fixed ratio schedules involve predictable patterns, and a variable interval schedule involves time, not the number of responses.

The Only Vending Machine in Your Dorm Is Notorious for Delivering