Question

139. Before Dylan became nauseated, he was able to go fishing with his family,

even catching several fish. Fishing is an example of what schedule of
reinforcement?
(A) Fixed ratio
(B) Fixed interval
(C) Unfixed interval
(D) Variable ratio
(E) Variable interval

Answer 1

Fishing is an example of a variable ratio reinforcement schedule because the reward (catching a fish) occurs after an undetermined number of attempts, maintaining a high level of engagement in the activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fishing is an example of a variable ratio reinforcement schedule. In this type of schedule, the number of responses needed for a reward varies.

The exact time or number of attempts it takes to catch a fish is uncertain and unpredictable, which is why the reinforcement (catching a fish) occurs after an undetermined number of casts.

This aspect makes the variable ratio schedule the most effective for maintaining behavior, such as continuing to fish or gamble, as it produces a high rate of response, with little if any pause after reinforcement.

This is similar to how slot machines, which also follow a variable ratio schedule, encourage consistent and persistent playing because the reward (money) is given out after an unpredictable number of tries.