You are watching a pigeon pecking a key for food reinforcement.The pigeon pecks at a fairly slow rate, but with no noticeable pauses or changes in pecking rate.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-interval schedule
B)fixed-ratio schedule
C)variable-ratio schedule
D)fixed-interval schedule

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A variable-interval schedule typically produces a moderate but steady rate of response, without the pauses that are characteristic of some other schedules. Since the pigeon is pecking at a slow but steady rate, this suggests a variable-interval schedule is in place. Fixed-ratio and variable-ratio schedules often produce higher rates of responding with a post-reinforcement pause, especially the fixed-ratio schedule. A fixed-interval schedule typically produces a scallop-shaped pattern of responding, with a pause after reinforcement and then an increasing rate of response as the interval comes to an end, which does not match the described behavior.

You Are Watching a Pigeon Pecking a Key for Food