True or False: Both fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement are based on the number of responses.

True or False: Both fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement are based on the number of responses.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. No opinion
• D. Depends on circumstances

Answer: (A)

The statement is true because both fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement indeed operate based on the number of responses made by the subject. In a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after a specific, set number of responses, creating a directly proportional relationship between the behavior and the reward. For instance, a fixed ratio of 10 means that the subject receives reinforcement only after every tenth response. On the other hand, variable ratio schedules also depend on the number of responses but provide reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. This variability tends to produce high rates of responding because the subject is uncertain about when the next reinforcement will occur. A classic example of this is gambling, where the player receives a payoff after an unpredictable number of bets. Both schedules encourage repeated behavior but do so in slightly different ways, with both ultimately reinforcing based on the quantity of responses made.

The statement is true because both fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement indeed operate based on the number of responses made by the subject. In a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after a specific, set number of responses, creating a directly proportional relationship between the behavior and the reward. For instance, a fixed ratio of 10 means that the subject receives reinforcement only after every tenth response.

On the other hand, variable ratio schedules also depend on the number of responses but provide reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. This variability tends to produce high rates of responding because the subject is uncertain about when the next reinforcement will occur. A classic example of this is gambling, where the player receives a payoff after an unpredictable number of bets.

Both schedules encourage repeated behavior but do so in slightly different ways, with both ultimately reinforcing based on the quantity of responses made.