Which statement describes Variable Schedules?

Which statement describes Variable Schedules?

• A. Rewards are given after a fixed duration or fixed number of responses.
• B. Rewards are given after an unpredictable number of responses or durations.
• C. Rewards are given after every response.
• D. Rewards are never contingent on behavior.

Answer: (B)

Variable schedules hinge on unpredictability: reinforcement is not tied to a set number of responses or a fixed time. This unpredictability keeps the dog guessing and can sustain high rates of response and resistance to extinction. The choice that says rewards come after an unpredictable number of responses or after variable durations captures both variable ratio and variable interval patterns, so it’s the best description. In contrast, rewards after a fixed duration or fixed number describe a fixed schedule; rewards after every response describe continuous reinforcement; rewards never contingent on behavior describe non-contingent reinforcement or extinction. In training, using a variable schedule can promote persistent behaviors because the anticipation of reinforcement remains uncertain.

Variable schedules hinge on unpredictability: reinforcement is not tied to a set number of responses or a fixed time. This unpredictability keeps the dog guessing and can sustain high rates of response and resistance to extinction. The choice that says rewards come after an unpredictable number of responses or after variable durations captures both variable ratio and variable interval patterns, so it’s the best description. In contrast, rewards after a fixed duration or fixed number describe a fixed schedule; rewards after every response describe continuous reinforcement; rewards never contingent on behavior describe non-contingent reinforcement or extinction. In training, using a variable schedule can promote persistent behaviors because the anticipation of reinforcement remains uncertain.