Question

Glen and Lynda are hired to rake leaves. Glen is paid \(\$_{3}\) for each bag of leaves he rakes. Lynda is paid \(\$ 7\) for each hour she works. Glen is paid according to a ______ schedule of reinforcement. Lynda is paid according to a ____ schedule . a. variable ratio; variable interval b. fixed ratio; fixed interval c. variable ratio; fixed interval d. fixed ratio; variable interval

Short answer

Glen is paid according to a 'fixed ratio' schedule and Lynda is paid according to a 'fixed interval' schedule. Therefore, the correct answer is b. fixed ratio; fixed interval.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the types of reinforcement schedules

There are two types of reinforcement schedules: ratio and interval. Each type has a fixed and a variable variant. 1. Fixed Ratio: Reinforcement is given after a specific number of responses. In this case, it would mean payment after a certain number of tasks completed. 2. Variable Ratio: Reinforcement is given after an unpredictable number of responses. The payment here is not fixed to a specific number of tasks completed. 3. Fixed Interval: Reinforcement is given after a specific amount of time has passed. In this context, it means payment after a certain number of hours worked. 4. Variable Interval: Reinforcement is given after an unpredictable amount of time has passed. Payment, in this case, is not fixed to a specific number of hours worked.

Determine Glen's reinforcement schedule

Since Glen is paid for each bag of leaves he rakes, his payment is determined by the number of tasks (bags) he completes. This corresponds to a ratio reinforcement schedule. As the payment is fixed, it means Glen is paid according to a 'fixed ratio' schedule.

Determine Lynda's reinforcement schedule

Lynda is paid for each hour she works, meaning her payment is determined by the amount of time she spends working. This corresponds to an interval reinforcement schedule. As she is paid a fixed amount for each hour, it means Lynda is paid according to a 'fixed interval' schedule.

Choose the correct answer option

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that Glen is paid according to a 'fixed ratio' schedule and Lynda is paid according to a 'fixed interval' schedule. Comparing this with the given options, the correct answer is: b. fixed ratio; fixed interval

Key concepts

Fixed Ratio

The Fixed Ratio Reinforcement Schedule involves providing rewards after a specific number of responses. Consider Glen, who earns \( \$3 \) for each bag of leaves he rakes. His payment plan is an example of a fixed ratio because he receives reinforcement, in this case, money, each time a set number of tasks (one bag) are completed. This schedule can be motivating since it encourages consistent, repeated behavior to earn the reward.

However, this method can also lead to fatigue. Individuals may tire once they receive the reinforcement, leading to pauses after rewards. This schedule is beneficial in situations where the frequency of behavior is important, as it incentivizes repeated actions to achieve rewards. Examples outside of work include loyalty programs where a customer receives a free item after purchasing a certain number of products.

Fixed Interval

Fixed Interval Reinforcement Schedules offer rewards based on a fixed amount of time. Lynda's work arrangement serves as an excellent example. She earns \\(7 \\) for each hour she works, regardless of how much she accomplishes in that time. Her payment is tied directly to the duration of her work, not the number of tasks completed. This type of scheduling promotes consistent, long-term participation, as the rewards are predictable.

A common characteristic of fixed interval schedules is that the subject might increase their activity as the time for reinforcement approaches. This can be seen in students who study more intensively as the exam date approaches, knowing the assessment will happen at a set time. The predictability of the reward can be an advantage as it provides certainty to the individual, but it may result in slower work immediately following a reward.

Variable Ratio

Variable Ratio Reinforcement Schedules reward behaviors after an unpredictable number of responses. Unlike fixed ratio schedules, the exact number of actions needed to earn reinforcement varies, which can make this method particularly engaging. Slot machines are a classic example, as players spin the reels with the understanding that they might win after any number of attempts.

This unpredictability can create a high level of engagement and motivation, leading individuals to repeat behaviors frequently without knowing exactly when they will receive reinforcement. The perceived possibility of imminent reward often keeps individuals heavily invested in the task at hand. This schedule is highly effective for maintaining behaviors as it provides intermittent reinforcement that keeps individuals guessing and willing to continue the behavior.

Variable Interval

Variable Interval Reinforcement Schedules involve rewards given after unpredictable time periods. This means that the individual is unable to predict when the next reward will come, which can keep behaviors consistently high, as the reinforcement may occur at any time.

A good example is checking for a message that might arrive at any time. Because you don’t know when it might come, you tend to check repeatedly. Random quality checks in factories also reflect this principle, as workers know checks can occur at any time, leading to consistent work output.

This method seeks to encourage steady performance and regular behavior because rewards can occur randomly over the time continuum, ensuring that individuals do not slack off after receiving a reinforcement.