Question

Brittany is a telemarketer trying to sell life insurance. After so many calls, someone will eventually buy.

Determine what schedule of reinforcement is being used and briefly explain why you chose that schedule

Answer 1

Brittany's efforts as a telemarketer operate under a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement, where she receives reinforcement after an unpredictable number of calls.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brittany, the telemarketer trying to sell life insurance, operates under a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement. This particular reinforcement schedule is used because it delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, similar to a gambler receiving a payout after an unknown number of lever pulls on a slot machine. Each call Brittany makes is a new opportunity for a sale, but she cannot predict which call will result in a sale. This unpredictability encourages a high and steady rate of responses, as she continues calling in the hopes that the next call will produce a reinforcement - in this case, a sale.