In an experiment, a loud buzzer is turned off every fifth time a rat presses a button. This represents both _______ reinforcement and a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A) negative; fixed ratio
B) negative; variable ratio
C) positive; fixed interval
D) positive; variable ratio

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The buzzer turning off is an example of negative reinforcement because it removes an unpleasant stimulus (the loud buzzer) to increase the behavior (pressing the button). It's a fixed ratio schedule because the reinforcement (turning off the buzzer) is given after a set number of responses (every fifth press).

In an Experiment, a Loud Buzzer Is Turned Off Every