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With what schedule of reinforcement is an organism reinforced for the first response following a designated period of time?

A) Fixed Ratio Schedule
B) Variable Ratio Schedule
C) Fixed Interval Schedule
D) Variable Interval Schedule

User Ekaterina
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A Fixed Interval Schedule reinforces the first response after a set period of time, resulting in a 'scallop-shaped' response pattern with pauses post-reinforcement. Slot machines use a Variable Ratio Schedule, which rewards after an unpredictable number of responses and is highly resistant to extinction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The schedule of reinforcement where an organism is reinforced for the first response following a designated period of time is known as the Fixed Interval Schedule. This schedule yields a characteristic 'scallop-shaped' response pattern, where there tends to be a significant pause following the reinforced response. An example of this would be a patient receiving pain relief medication at set time intervals, regardless of how many times they may request it within that interval. On the contrary, slot machines operate on a Variable Ratio Schedule, providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, which is why it is commonly associated with high and steady response rates, and is very resistant to extinction.

User Fiasco Labs
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