Question

Which of the following statements regarding the cumulative record is correct?

1) An FR schedule of reinforcement exhibits a characteristic scallop pattern on the record.
2) A VR-150 schedule of reinforcement will have a steeper line than a VR-100 schedule.
3) The steeper the slope of a fixed schedule cumulative record, the more infrequent the reinforcement.
4) Only variable schedules of reinforcement produce linear plots on the cumulative record.

Answer 1

The correct statement is that an FR schedule of reinforcement exhibits a characteristic scallop pattern on the cumulative record, consistent with the high response rates and short pauses seen in this type of reinforcement schedule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that an FR schedule of reinforcement exhibits a characteristic scallop pattern on the cumulative record is correct. In a fixed ratio (FR) reinforcement schedule, a set number of responses must occur before a behavior is rewarded, which produces a high response rate with a short pause after reinforcement. This pause generates the scalloping effect seen in cumulative records, because subjects tend to take a break following the acquisition of reinforcement before quickly accelerating in response rate as they approach the next reinforcement opportunity. On the other hand, the variable ratio (VR) reinforcement schedule yields a high and steady response rate with little if any pause after reinforcement. Therefore, a VR-150 schedule would not necessarily have a steeper line than a VR-100 schedule, as the slope of the cumulative record in VR schedules is influenced by response rates rather than the schedule's numerical value.