Psychology: operant reinforcement schedule: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychology: operant reinforcement schedule

Sample item

Gamblers continue to play slot machines for hours despite repeated losses, as rewards come after an unpredictable number of plays. Which reinforcement schedule explains this persistence?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Variable ratio

Variable ratio reinforcement, where rewards arrive after an unpredictable number of responses, produces the highest, steadiest response rate and the greatest resistance to extinction, which is why gambling is so persistent. Continuous reinforcement extinguishes quickly when it stops. Fixed interval schedules give scalloped response patterns.

Option by option

  • A. Fixed interval

    Fixed interval gives a scalloped response pattern.

  • B. Fixed ratio

    Fixed ratio gives a pause after reinforcement and is easier to extinguish.

  • C. Continuous reinforcement

    Continuous reinforcement extinguishes quickly.

  • D. Variable ratio (correct)

    Correct. Variable ratio schedules yield persistent responding.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Variable ratio. Variable ratio reinforcement, where rewards arrive after an unpredictable number of responses, produces the highest, steadiest response rate and the greatest resistance to extinction, which is why gambling is so persistent.

Why is "Fixed interval" not the answer?

Fixed interval gives a scalloped response pattern.

Why is "Fixed ratio" not the answer?

Fixed ratio gives a pause after reinforcement and is easier to extinguish.

Why is "Continuous reinforcement" not the answer?

Continuous reinforcement extinguishes quickly.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychology: operant reinforcement schedule in Psychiatry. Continuous reinforcement extinguishes quickly when it stops. Fixed interval schedules give scalloped response patterns.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychology: operant reinforcement schedule?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.