You are watching a pigeon pecking a key for food reinforcement.The pigeon pecks at a very high, steady rate, but it also takes breaks from pecking each time food is delivered.Based on what is known about the pattern of responding produced by various schedules of reinforcement, you should conclude that the reinforcement schedule that is in place for this pigeon is a:
A)variable-ratio schedule
B)fixed-interval schedule
C)variable-interval schedule
D)fixed-ratio schedule

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A fixed-ratio schedule is a reinforcement schedule in which a behavior is reinforced only after a specific number of responses. The high, steady rate of pecking suggests that the pigeon knows that a certain number of pecks will result in food delivery. The breaks in pecking after each delivery also suggest that the pigeon is aware of when it has reached the required number of responses for reinforcement. Therefore, the pattern of responding observed is most consistent with a fixed-ratio schedule.

You Are Watching a Pigeon Pecking a Key for Food