In a study, researchers placed rats in operant chambers where pressing a lever delivered a food pellet. One group received a pellet for every press (continuous), a second group received a pellet on average every 5 presses (variable ratio), and a third group received a pellet every fixed 30 seconds for the first press after the interval (fixed interval). Researchers later measured response rates after withdrawing reinforcement.
After reinforcement is withdrawn, which group should show the greatest resistance to extinction?
- Acheck_circle
The variable-ratio group
- B
The continuous reinforcement group
- C
The fixed-interval group, due to predictable spacing
- D
All groups should extinguish at equal rates
Explanation
The partial reinforcement effect: intermittent (especially variable) schedules produce greater resistance to extinction than continuous reinforcement.