George has learned that if he pesters his father about using the family Cadillac enough times, his father will eventually break down and give George the keys to the Cadillac. George's "pestering" behavior is apparently being reinforced on a ___________ schedule.
A) variable ratio
B) variable interval
C) fixed interval
D) differential rate of low responding

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a variable ratio schedule, reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses, which leads to high rates of responding and persistence in the behavior. George's behavior of pestering his father is being reinforced on a variable ratio schedule because he doesn't know how many times he needs to ask before getting the keys to the Cadillac. This uncertainty makes him persist in his behavior, hoping it will eventually lead to reinforcement.

George Has Learned That If He Pesters His Father About