Gamblers often persist at gambling even when they very rarely receive a payoff. How can one explain this persistence?
A) There is a gradual increase in performance with successive approximations.
B) There is a strong resistance to extinction when performance has been maintained with a variable schedule of reinforcement.
C) Typically, the gambler will pause for a brief rest after each case of reinforcement, thereby increasing stamina.
D) The gambler experiences learned helplessness and is unable to stop.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A variable schedule of reinforcement creates a strong resistance to extinction, meaning that individuals will persist in the behavior even when the rewards are rare or infrequent. This is common in gambling, where a player may continue to place bets despite losing repeatedly in the hope of eventually receiving a payoff.

Gamblers Often Persist at Gambling Even When They Very Rarely