BMB: Session 4A-4B: 50 Questions

What is the primary difference between continuous and intermittent reinforcement schedules?

• Continuous schedules are easier to apply.

• Continuous reinforcement schedules reinforce every response, while intermittent schedules do not.

• Intermittent schedules reinforce every response.

• Continuous schedules do not reinforce any responses.

Answer explanation

Continuous reinforcement schedules reinforce every response, while intermittent schedules do not.

What typically happens after a behavior is reinforced on a fixed ratio schedule?

• An unpredictable pause occurs.

• A long pause occurs due to uncertainty.

• A short post-reinforcement pause occurs.

• No pause occurs before the next set of responses.

Answer explanation

After a behavior is reinforced on a fixed ratio schedule, a short post-reinforcement pause typically occurs before the next set of responses.

Which of the following is an example of discriminative stimulus (SD)?

• A light signaling that pressing a lever will yield food

• The food given after a lever is pressed

• The lever that the animal presses

• An electric shock following the lever press

Answer explanation

The correct choice is a light signaling that pressing a lever will yield food, as it is an example of a discriminative stimulus (SD) that signals a specific behavior will result in a specific consequence.

Lili yawns at unpredictable intervals, sometimes after 2 minutes, sometimes after 5. This behavior is reinforced on a __________ schedule.

• Fixed Ratio

• Variable Ratio

• Fixed Interval

• Variable Interval

Answer explanation

Lili yawns at unpredictable intervals, sometimes after 2 minutes, sometimes after 5, indicating a Variable Interval schedule of reinforcement.

If a student receives a sticker for every five math problems solved, which reinforcement schedule is being used?

• Variable Ratio

• Fixed Ratio

• Fixed Interval

• Variable Interval

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Fixed Ratio because the reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses, in this case, every five math problems solved.

What does a scalloped pattern of response typically indicate in reinforcement schedules?

• A. Variable Ratio Schedule

• B. Fixed Interval Schedule

• C. Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL)

• D. Variable Interval Schedule

Answer explanation

A scalloped pattern of response typically indicates a Fixed Interval Schedule in reinforcement schedules.

A teacher decides to deliver praise only after a student has been working quietly for at least 5 minutes. This reinforcement strategy is known as __________.

• A. Differential Reinforcement of High Rates (DRH)

• B. Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL)

• C. Fixed Interval Schedule

• D. Variable Interval Schedule

Answer explanation

The correct answer is B. Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL) because the teacher is reinforcing the behavior of working quietly for at least 5 minutes, which is a low rate of behavior.

A salesperson receives a bonus for every third sale they make. This reward system is an example of a __________ schedule.

• A. Fixed Ratio

• B. Variable Ratio

• C. Fixed Interval

• D. Variable Interval

Answer explanation

The correct choice is A. Fixed Ratio because the bonus is given after a fixed number of sales, which is every third sale in this case.

What characterizes a Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding (DRP) schedule?

• A. Reinforcing fast responses only.

• B. Reinforcing slow responses only.

• C. Reinforcing responses at a set rate.

• D. Reinforcing responses after a set time.

Answer explanation

The Differential Reinforcement of Paced Responding (DRP) schedule involves reinforcing responses after a set time, not based on speed or rate.

In operant conditioning, what does the term "extinction" refer to when a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer receives reinforcement?

• The behavior becomes more frequent.

• The behavior is modified to seek alternative reinforcements.

• The behavior gradually decreases in frequency.

• The behavior is replaced with a more desirable one.

Answer explanation

The term 'extinction' in operant conditioning refers to the behavior gradually decreasing in frequency when a previously reinforced behavior no longer receives reinforcement.