50. Lottery tickets encourage patrons to continue playing by giving them periodic rewards after an unpredictable number of ticket purchases. This scenario describes which schedule of reinforcement?
Answer: B
Variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement
This scenario describes a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement, where patrons receive rewards after an unpredictable number of ticket purchases, encouraging continuous play.
A) Fixed-ratio
A fixed-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a set number of responses, such as receiving a reward after every ten tickets purchased. In this case, the rewards are not given after a fixed number of purchases, making this option incorrect.
B) Variable-ratio
A variable-ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, which aligns perfectly with the description of lottery tickets providing rewards after an unpredictable number of ticket purchases. This option accurately reflects the mechanism of continuous engagement through uncertainty in reward timing.
C) Fixed-interval
A fixed-interval schedule provides reinforcement after a specific amount of time has passed, regardless of the number of responses. Since the lottery ticket scenario is based on the number of purchases rather than a set time frame, this option is not applicable.
D) Variable-interval
A variable-interval schedule offers reinforcement at unpredictable time intervals. While it does involve unpredictability, it is based on time rather than the number of responses, making it unsuitable for the lottery ticket example.
Conclusion
The variable-ratio schedule is the definitive correct answer as it encapsulates the essence of how lottery tickets incentivize continuous play through rewards given after an unpredictable number of ticket purchases. The other options fail to accurately describe the reinforcement mechanism involved in this scenario.