Mr. Simmons is a fourth-grade teacher. To encourage his students to read books, Mr. Simmons tells his students to write a short report for every book they read. Mr. Simmons then says that students will get 30 minutes of extra time on the computer (something the students enjoy) for every third book report they write. Mr. Simmons is using a ______ schedule of reinforcement.
A. fixed ratio
B. fixed interval
C. variable ratio
D. variable interval
Answer (2)
Mr. Simmons is using a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, as he rewards students after every third book report they write. This approach encourages students to maintain a consistent effort in completing their assignments in order to receive their reward. The correct answer is A. fixed ratio.
;
Mr. Simmons is using a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement. In psychology, a fixed ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement strategy where a response is reinforced only after a specified number of responses. In this case, Mr. Simmons rewards his students with 30 minutes of extra computer time for every third book report they submit. This means that the students need to complete a specific number of book reports (three) to receive the reinforcement.
Here's a breakdown of why this is a fixed ratio schedule:
Fixed : The requirement to receive reinforcement is consistent and does not change. Each student must consistently write three book reports to gain the reward.
Ratio : The reinforcement is based on the number of responses (book reports written), not a period of time.
This type of schedule encourages students to increase their rate of book reading by linking the desired behavior (writing book reports) directly to a reward that they enjoy (extra computer time).
