Question

Donna knows that she and her husband are going to go to their favorite restaurant every year on their anniversary. After all, it is the place where they went on their first date. She also knows that they won't go at any other time because it has special meaning to them. The fact that this reward - going to the favorite dining spot - only happens after a specific amount of time passes makes this an example of a _______________ schedule of partial reinforcement.

a. Fixed-ratio.
b. Fixed-interval.
c. Variable-ratio.
d. Variable-interval.

Answer 1

Donna and her husband's annual restaurant visits on their anniversary is an example of a fixed-interval schedule of partial reinforcement, as the reward is given after a set amount of time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario described by the student involves a reinforcement taking place after a set amount of time, which classifies it as a fixed-interval schedule of partial reinforcement. Donna and her husband visiting their favorite restaurant only on their anniversary each year exemplifies the key characteristic of a fixed-interval reinforcement schedule: a predictable and set time frame between occurrences of the reinforcing event.

Unlike fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, or variable-interval reinforcement schedules, the fixed-interval schedule results in a reward (in this case, the special occasion dinner) being given after a consistent, known period, rather than based on the number of responses or an unpredictable time frame.

In summary, the correct answer to the student's question is b. Fixed-interval, because the reward of dining at the favorite restaurant is contingent on the passage of a specific, constant time interval: their yearly anniversary.