Question

Henry is observing beetles for his biology project. They return to their nest at unpredictable intervals all day long, so Henry keeps a close watch all day. Which reinforcement schedule is this?

Question 11 options:
a)
fixed interval
b)
fixed ratio
c)
variable interval
d)
variable ratio

Answer 1

Henry observing beetles aligns with a variable interval reinforcement schedule, where the reinforcements occur at unpredictable intervals, leading to a moderate and continuous response rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reinforcement schedule that describes Henry’s observation of beetles returning to their nest at unpredictable intervals is the variable interval schedule. This schedule is characterized by reinforcements given after varying, unpredictable amounts of time. In a variable interval schedule, like in the case of the fast-food manager who never knows when the quality control person will show up, the response rate is moderate but steady.

In contrast to the fixed interval schedule, which provides reinforcement after a set period, or the fixed ratio schedule, in which a certain number of responses are needed before a reward is offered, the variable interval schedule does not allow the subject to predict when the reinforcement will come. As a result, the subject must constantly perform the desired behavior in the hope of receiving reinforcement.

In Henry's case, the beetles return to their nest at times he cannot predict, therefore keeping a continuous watch is necessary. This mirrors Manuel's steady effort to keep the restaurant clean in anticipation of a randomly timed visit from quality control.