Coffee shops that reward customers with a free cup of coffee after every 10 coffee purchases are using a ________ reinforcement schedule.
A) fixed-interval
B) variable-interval
C) fixed-ratio
D) variable-ratio

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule provides reinforcement after a fixed number of responses (in this case, 10 coffee purchases). Therefore, customers who receive a free cup of coffee after every 10 purchases are being reinforced on a fixed-ratio schedule. Fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules are based on time intervals, whereas variable-ratio schedules provide reinforcement after a variable number of responses, making them less predictable and potentially more powerful in maintaining behavior. However, in the case of the coffee shop example, a fixed-ratio schedule is the best choice because it provides the customer with a clear and consistent expectation of when they will receive reinforcement, making it more likely that they will continue to purchase coffee from the shop.

Coffee Shops That Reward Customers with a Free Cup of Coffee