Question

Check your understanding of schedules of reinforcement in operant conditioning by indicating the type of schedule that would be in effect in each of the examples below. In the spaces on the left, fill in CR for continuous reinforcement, FR for fixed-ratio, VR for variable-ratio, Fl for fixed- interval, and Vl for variable-interval. The answers can be found in Appendix A. ________ Jamal, who is in the fourth grade, gets a gold star from his teacher for every book he reads.

Short answer

" Answer: Continuous Reinforcement (CR)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the reinforcement schedules

Before solving the exercise, it's essential to understand the five different reinforcement schedules. - Continuous Reinforcement (CR): The behavior is reinforced every time it occurs. - Fixed-Ratio (FR): Reinforcement is provided after a specific number of responses. - Variable-Ratio (VR): Reinforcement is provided after a varying number of responses, but the average number is predetermined. - Fixed-Interval (FI): Reinforcement is provided after the first response following a specified time interval. - Variable-Interval (VI): Reinforcement is provided after the first response following a varying time interval, but the average time interval is predetermined.

Read and analyze the example

In the given example: "Jamal, who is in the fourth grade, gets a gold star from his teacher for every book he reads." Jamal receives a gold star for every book he reads, meaning that reinforcement is provided every time he reads a book.

Identify the reinforcement schedule

As Jamal receives a gold star for every book he reads, the reinforcement is provided every time the behavior occurs. This matches the Continuous Reinforcement (CR) schedule.

Write the answer

In the left space, fill in CR for Continuous Reinforcement, as this is the reinforcement schedule in effect for Jamal's example: CR - Jamal, who is in the fourth grade, gets a gold star from his teacher for every book he reads.

Key concepts

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment. It's part of the learning theory developed by B.F. Skinner, where he suggests behaviors can be increased with positive reinforcements or decreased with negative outcomes. The idea is that an individual makes an association between a particular behavior and a consequence.

For instance, if a student studies hard and receives good grades as a result, they are likely to associate studying with the 'reward' of grades. Conversely, if they procrastinate and get poor grades, they might link this behavior with the 'punishment' of low marks. Operant conditioning is central to understanding how voluntary behaviors are shaped by their outcomes and is fundamental to the reinforcement schedules used in training and education.

Continuous Reinforcement

Continuous reinforcement occurs when a behavior is reinforced each time it's performed. This schedule is the quickest way to teach someone a new behavior because the reward is consistent and immediate.

For a child learning to speak, for example, parents might praise them every time they correctly say a word. This constant validation encourages the child to continue speaking correctly. However, one downside of continuous reinforcement is that a behavior may be extinguished quickly if the reinforcement stops; the individual might quickly unlearn the behavior if they're not consistently rewarded.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

The fixed-ratio schedule is a reinforcement strategy where a response is reinforced only after a specified number of responses. This creates a steady, high rate of responding because the reinforcement is directly linked to the volume of work or response done by the individual.

For instance, a coffee shop loyalty program might offer a free coffee after every ten purchases. Customers know exactly what is required to get their reward and are motivated to reach that target. The predictability of the fixed-ratio schedule can be very effective in encouraging repetitive tasks or behaviors where consistency is desirable.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

A variable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. This type of reinforcement schedule creates a high and steady rate of response, with individuals responding at a consistent rate, unaware of when the next reinforcement will come.

Slot machines in a casino are a perfect example; they are programmed to pay out after a random number of pulls, enticing users to keep playing. Like the allure of gambling, this unpredictability can lead to a behavior being very resistant to extinction, making variable-ratio schedules particularly powerful in shaping and maintaining behaviors.