Final answer:
True, both fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement are based on the number of responses. Fixed ratio schedules reward after a set number, while variable ratio schedules reward after an unpredictable number of responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to whether fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement are both based on the number of responses is: a. true.
A fixed ratio reinforcement schedule operates on the principle that a set number of responses must be made before a reward is given. For example, a salesperson might receive a commission after every third sale they make. On the other hand, a variable ratio reinforcement schedule offers rewards after an unpredictable number of responses, which makes it difficult to anticipate when the reward will come.
This is the type of schedule that keeps gamblers hooked to slot machines because they never know when the next payout will occur. The key feature in both fixed and variable ratio schedules is that the reinforcement (or reward) is based on the number of responses, not the amount of time that passes.