Which of the following statements regarding operant extinction is true?
A)Variable schedules are more resistant to extinction than fixed schedules are.
B)Continuous schedules are more resistant to extinction than partial schedules are.
C)Variable and fixed schedules are equally resistant to extinction.
D)Fixed schedules are more resistant to extinction than variable schedules are.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Variable schedules of reinforcement are more resistant to extinction than fixed schedules because the unpredictability of reinforcement under variable schedules makes it harder for the organism to discern when the reinforcement has ceased, thus maintaining the behavior longer even in the absence of reinforcement.

Which of the Following Statements Regarding Operant Extinction Is True