Match List I (Schedule of Reinforcement) with List II (Example).

List I

i.Fixed ratio

ii.Fixed interval

iii.Variable interval

iv.Variable ratio

List II

a.Individuals are reinforced for the first response they make after various time intervals have passed.

b.Responses occur a certain number of times before reinforcement.

c.The reinforcement may occur after any number of responses.

d.No reinforcement is given until a certain interval of time has elapsed.

Ai-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c ✓ Correct

Bi-c, ii-d, iii-b, iv-a

Ci-a, ii-c, iii-b, iv-d

Di-c, ii-a, iii-d, iv-b

Correct answer: (A) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c

Explanation

Fixed ratio (i) gives reinforcement after a set number of responses (b), such as reward after every fifth response.

Fixed interval (ii) gives no reinforcement until a fixed period of time has elapsed (d).

Variable interval (iii) reinforces the first response after varying time intervals have passed (a).

Variable ratio (iv) delivers reinforcement after any, changing number of responses (c).

Ratio schedules count responses, while interval schedules track time.

The variable ratio schedule produces the highest, most persistent rate of responding, as seen in gambling.

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