What makes a variable ratio schedule effective?
A) The behavior is reinforced each time it occurs.
B) It creates uncertainty about when the consequence will occur.
C) The desired behavior must occur a specified number of times before it is reinforced.
D) Reinforcement occurs regardless of the amount of time that exists between behaviors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A variable ratio schedule is effective because it creates uncertainty about when the consequence will occur, which leads to a high rate of responding and persistence in the behavior. The reinforcement is based on the number of responses, but the number is not specified, so the subject keeps performing the behavior to receive reinforcement.

What Makes a Variable Ratio Schedule Effective