Given the same overall frequency of reinforcement on a fixed and a variable schedule of reinforcement, you should predict that the variable reinforcement schedule will tend to produce
A)more breaks in responding and lower resistance to extinction.
B)steadier response rates but lower resistance to extinction.
C)more breaks in responding but greater resistance to extinction.
D)steadier response rates and greater resistance to extinction.

Question

Given the same overall frequency of reinforcement on a fixed and a variable schedule of reinforcement, you should predict that the variable reinforcement schedule will tend to produce ​
A)more breaks in responding and lower resistance to extinction. ​
B)steadier response rates but lower resistance to extinction.
C)more breaks in responding but greater resistance to extinction.
D)steadier response rates and greater resistance to extinction.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Variable reinforcement schedules tend to produce steadier response rates because the reinforcement is unpredictable, leading to more consistent responding. Additionally, these schedules typically result in greater resistance to extinction because the behavior has been reinforced at unpredictable intervals, making it harder for the organism to determine when to stop responding.

Given the Same Overall Frequency of Reinforcement on a Fixed