Question

Paul and Michael sell magazine subscriptions by telephone. Paul is paid $1.00 for every five calls he makes, while Michael is paid $1.00 for every subscription he sells, regardless of the number of calls he makes. Paul’s telephoning is reinforced on a __________ schedule, whereas Michael’s is reinforced on a __________ schedule. Group of answer choices Variable-ratio; fixed-ratio Fixed-ratio; variable-ratio Fixed-ratio; variable-interval Fixed-interval; variable-ratio

Answer 1

Fixed-ratio; variable-ratio

Step-by-step explanation:

Paul’s telephoning is reinforced on a fixed-ratio schedule, whereas Michael’s is reinforced on a variable-ratio schedule.

A fixed ratio reinforcement schedule: They are a set number of responses that must occur before the behavior is rewarded. This means the number of responses to be exhibited by an individual in order to be rewarded is fixed.

Fixed-ratios are better used to optimize the quantity of output.

Variable ratio reinforcement schedule: The number of responses needed for a reward varies. This implies that the number of responses to be rewarded varies according to requirement. It is a partial reinforcement.