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. ________ Skip, a professional baseball player, signs an agreement that his salary increases will be renegotiated every 3 rd year.

Short answer

Answer: Fixed-Interval (FI)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the given example

In the given example, a professional baseball player, Skip, renegotiates salary increases every 3rd year. It means that after a fixed period, the reinforcement (salary increase) occurs.

Identify the reinforcement schedule

In this example, the reinforcement (salary increase) happens after a fixed time interval (every 3rd year). This corresponds to a Fixed-Interval (FI) schedule.

Write the final answer

Considering the given example of Skip, the reinforcement schedule in effect is Fixed-Interval (FI).

Key concepts

Schedules of Reinforcement

Schedules of reinforcement are crucial elements in operant conditioning, influencing how and when a behavior is reinforced. Reinforcement helps increase the probability of a behavior being repeated in the future. Here are the main types:

• Continuous Reinforcement (CR): This occurs when every instance of the desired behavior is reinforced. It's often used during the initial stages of learning to establish a strong association between the behavior and the reinforcement. For example, giving a dog a treat every time it sits on command.
• Fixed-Ratio (FR): Reinforcement is given after a specific number of responses. For example, a rat receives food every 5 lever presses.
• Variable-Ratio (VR): This reinforcement schedule is based on a varying number of responses. This ratio is unpredictable but centers around an average. An example is a slot machine in a casino rewarding players after an undetermined number of lever pulls.
• Fixed-Interval (FI): This involves reinforcement given after a fixed amount of time has passed. For example, a worker receives a paycheck every two weeks, regardless of how hard they work.
• Variable-Interval (VI): Reinforcement given after varying time intervals, which are unpredictable. This could be similar to waiting for a fish to bite when fishing.

Each schedule has distinct effects on how behaviors are learned and maintained, influencing both the speed of response and the pattern of responses from the organism.

Fixed-Interval Schedule

A fixed-interval schedule is one where the first response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has elapsed. This schedule of reinforcement is often used in situations where productivity increases are reinforced at regular intervals. It's a bit like setting a timer on your behavior to know when you'll get a reward.

In operant conditioning, a typical example might be a weekly paycheck. Regardless of how much or how little work is done during the week, the paycheck arrives regularly. This schedule can produce a pattern of behavior known as "scalloping," where responses are slow right after reinforcement but increase as the time approaches for the next reward.

Understanding fixed-interval schedules helps recognize patterns in human behavior, particularly in productivity and performance evaluations over time. It is crucial to comprehend that while the time must pass for the reward to be available again, consistent effort during that time may not be directly reinforced.

Reinforcement Schedules

Reinforcement schedules are strategies in operant conditioning designed to encourage and strengthen desired behaviors. They determine how often a response will be reinforced, impacting the effectiveness and efficiency of learning.

• Learning and Behavior Shaping: Schedules of reinforcement guide learning. For instance, continuous reinforcement is excellent for introducing a new behavior. However, as the behavior becomes established, transitioning to partial reinforcement can enhance its resilience against extinction.
• Behavioral Patterns: Different schedules produce varied response patterns. Fixed schedules can lead to burst-pause cycles, whereas variable schedules generally produce steady and high rates of response.
• Real-World Applications: Understanding these schedules can help in parenting, education, and management. For example, using a fixed-interval schedule, teachers might give students rewards at regular intervals for maintaining focus throughout class periods.

Deciphering which schedule fits best can optimize learning environments and improve behavior modification strategies in practical settings. Recognizing the effects of each type can help tailor approaches to specific learning or behavioral goals.