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Psychology QUESTION #9724
Question 1
In operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses, producing high and steady response rates, is called:
  • Fixed-ratio schedule
  • Variable-ratio schedule✔️
  • Fixed-interval schedule
  • Variable-interval schedule
Correct Answer Explanation
A variable-ratio (VR) schedule reinforces behavior after an unpredictable, varying number of responses. This schedule produces the highest and most consistent response rates and the greatest resistance to extinction. Slot machines are a classic real-world example. The unpredictability of reward keeps the organism responding persistently.