Question

A pigeon pecks a green key on a VI 60-sec schedule, which results in the insertion of a treadle into the chamber. The pigeon then steps on the treadle 10 times, following which it receives food. This is an example of a(n) _________ schedule of reinforcement.

Answer 1

The correct word for the blank space is: chained.

Step-by-step explanation:

A chained schedule of reinforcement is set to cause a single response. At least two (2) events or schedules must be arranged in a sequence and after each schedule, there must be a different stimulus. Before the main reinforcement takes place, those events must be completed.

In the case, pecking the grey key and stepping on a treadle are the chained schedules. The length and times the pigeon repeats those activities are the stimulus and receiving food is the primary reinforcement.