Question

1. from a casino owners viewpoint, which of the following jackpot payout schedules would be the most desirable for reinforcing customer use of a slot machine? a) variable - ratio b) fixed - ratio c) variable - interval d) fixed - interval 44. the highest and most consistent rate of response is produced by a ________ schedule. a) fixed - ratio b) variable - ratio c) fixed - interval d) variable - interval 45. leons psychology instructor has scheduled an exam every third week of the term. leon will probably study the most just before an exam and the least just after an exam. this is because the schedule of exams is reinforcing studying according to which schedule? a) fixed - ratio b) variable - ratio c) fixed - interval d) variable - interval 46. punishment is a controversial way of controlling behavior because: a) behavior is not forgotten and may return. b) punishing stimuli often create fear. c) punishment often increases aggressiveness. d) of all of the above reasons. 47. in distinguishing between negative reinforcers and punishment, we note that: a) punishment, but not negative reinforcement, involves use of an aversive stimulus. b) in contrast to punishment, negative reinforcement decreases the likelihood of a response by the presentation of an aversive stimulus. c) in contrast to punishment, negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a response by the presentation of an aversive stimulus. d) in contrast to punishment, negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a response by the termination of an aversive stimulus.

Explanation:

• Question 43: Variable - ratio reinforcement schedules create high and consistent response rates as players are motivated by the unpredictable nature of rewards, which is ideal for a casino owner to keep customers using slot machines.
• Question 44: Variable - ratio schedules produce the highest and most consistent rate of response because the unpredictability of when a reward will come keeps the subject responding at a high level.
• Question 45: Since exams are scheduled every third week (a fixed time interval), this is a fixed - interval reinforcement schedule. Leon studies more just before the exam when the reinforcement (good grade) is imminent.
• Question 46: Punishment is controversial because behavior isn't forgotten and may return, punishing stimuli can create fear, and it often increases aggressiveness.
• Question 47: Negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a response by terminating an aversive stimulus, while punishment decreases the likelihood of a response by presenting an aversive stimulus.

Answer:

1. A. variable - ratio
2. B. variable - ratio
3. C. fixed - interval
4. D. of all of the above reasons
5. D. in contrast to punishment, negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a response by the termination of an aversive stimulus.