Question

People who play the slot machines are reinforced on a schedule of reinforcement. What type of reinforcement schedule is characterized by providing reinforcement after a specific number of responses?

A) Differential Reinforcement of Low Responding Schedule
B) Variable Ratio
C) Differential Reinforcement of High Responding Schedule
D) Fixed Ratio
E) Fixed Interval
F) Differential Reinforcement of Other Responding Schedule
G) Variable Interval
H) Differential Reinforcement Schedule

Answer 1

Slot machines utilize a Variable Ratio (VR) reinforcement schedule, which provides a payout after an unpredictable number of responses, creating a high and steady rate of engagement. This type of schedule is quite resistant to extinction, which keeps gamblers playing for longer periods.

Step-by-step explanation:

People who play slot machines experience reinforcement on a specific schedule when they are gambling. The type of reinforcement schedule that is characterized by providing reinforcement after a specific number of responses is the Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule. In the context of slot machines, however, the reinforcement schedule at play is the Variable Ratio (VR) schedule. This is because the number of responses (or plays on the slot machine) needed before a reward (such as a payout) is given varies every time.

For example, a slot machine may provide a payout after 10 plays, then again after 20 plays, and the next time after just 5 plays. The unpredictability of when the reinforcement (the payout) will come is what characterizes the Variable Ratio schedule, making it very effective in creating a high and steady rate of responding. This is due to the reinforcement being tied to an average number of responses, but not any specific number at any given time, which makes it highly resistant to extinction.