Final answer:
In a fixed interval reinforcement schedule, a reinforcement is provided after a predefined period of time. Since 60 seconds have passed since the last reward was delivered, you would need to press the button once (answer B) to receive a reward.
correct answer is option B
Step-by-step explanation:
In your scenario, you're dealing with what's known as a fixed interval reinforcement schedule. In this schedule, a reinforcement is provided after a predetermined, unchanging amount of time. In this case, the time is set to 60 seconds.
Considering the time interval has already elapsed since the last reinforcer was delivered, only one response or button press would be needed to earn a reinforcer. Therefore, the answer to your question is B) 1. The number of responses is mostly irrelevant in a fixed interval schedule, what matters most is the lapse of the set period of time. Once that set time has passed, the first response would lead to a reinforcer.
So, in layman's terms, imagine it like this: It's somewhat like waiting for a bus that arrives every hour on the dot--no matter how many times you look at your watch, the bus will only arrive on the hour, and not before.
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