Many people are addicted to playing slot machines because:
a) slot machines offer high rewards.
b) slot machines offer rewards on a variable basis.
c) slot machines are easily won.
d) slot machines are easily lost.
B is correct.
Gambling and slot machines follow a variable-ratio schedule. Slot machines reward players on a variable basis, which encourages people to continue playing because there is a possibility of reinforcement on the next turn. Answer choice A is incorrect because though it is true, it does not fully capture why people are incentivized to continually play slot machines. Answer choice C is incorrect because many slot machines are not easily won. Answer choice D is incorrect because it restates the question rather than answering what causes the high and consistent response rate of slot machine playing.
With MCAT tutoring from MedSchoolCoach, we are committed to help you prepare, excel, and optimize your ideal score on the MCAT exam.
For each student we work with, we learn about their learning style, content knowledge, and goals. We match them with the most suitable tutor and conduct online sessions that make them feel as if they are in the classroom. Each session is recorded, plus with access to whiteboard notes. We focus on high-yield topics if you’re pressed for time. If you have more time or high-score goals, we meticulously cover the entire MCAT syllabus.
Reinforcement schedules are a fundamental concept in psychology that explores the ways in which behavior is shaped and maintained through rewards. Grounded in the principles of operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules investigate the timing and frequency of reinforcement in influencing the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. This area of study delves into the intricacies of different schedules, such as fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval, and examines their effects on motivation, persistence, and the development of habits. By understanding the nuances of reinforcement schedules, psychologists gain valuable insights into human and animal behavior, as well as practical applications in areas like education, therapy, and behavioral modification.
In operant conditioning, an animal is presented with a reinforcement or punishment in order to manipulate the frequency of a behavior. However, every occurrence of a behavior does not need to be rewarded to prevent the extinction of a behavior. Instead, a behavior can be reinforced after a specific number of performances or a specific amount of time. Such reinforcement patterns are referred to as reinforcement schedules. There are four different types of reinforcement schedules covered on the MCAT: fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval reinforcement schedules.
In this reinforcement schedule, rewards are given after a variable number of behavioral responses. The stimulus will be added after a behavior occurs, but there is no set number at which it will occur. For example, winning a casino slot machine occurs after an indeterminable and random number of attempts. This form of reinforcement schedule results in a high and consistent response rate and is the most effective way to condition an animal to perform a behavior.
Take a closer look at our entire MCAT Masterclass or explore our Biochemistry lessons below.
Are you ready to take your MCAT performance to a whole new level? Work with our 99th-percentile MCAT tutors to boost your score by 12 points or more!
See if MCAT Tutoring can help me
Talk to our enrollment team about MCAT Tutoring
Engaging audio learning to take your MCAT learning on the go, any time, any where. You'll be on the way to a higher MCAT score no matter where you are. Listen to over 200+ lessons.
Practice makes perfect! Our mock exams coupled with thorough explanations and in-depth analytics help students understand exactly where they stand.
Access hundreds of MCAT videos to help you study and raise your exam score. Augment your learning with expert-created flashcards and a question banks.