A choppy stop-start pattern of operant responding is associated with the ________ schedule of reinforcement.
A) fixed-ratio
B) fixed-interval
C) variable-ratio
D) variable-interval

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A choppy stop-start pattern of responding is a characteristic of fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement. During these schedules, organisms tend to respond in bursts, with an increase in responding just before the reinforcement is scheduled to be delivered. Once the reinforcement is delivered, the rate of responding drops off until just before the next reinforcement is scheduled to be delivered. This creates a choppy, stop-start pattern of behavior.

A Choppy Stop-Start Pattern of Operant Responding Is Associated with the ________