Certified Brain Injury Specialist Practice Exam

Which scenario best describes an intermittent schedule of reinforcement?

1. A student receives praise for every test taken

2. A slot machine pays out twice during one hour of continuous play

3. A dog gets a treat every time it sits on command

4. A person is rewarded every Friday for hard work

The correct answer is: A slot machine pays out twice during one hour of continuous play

An intermittent schedule of reinforcement is characterized by providing rewards only some of the time, rather than consistently. This kind of reinforcement leads to behaviors that are more resistant to extinction and can encourage persistence in the behavior being reinforced. In the scenario provided, a slot machine paying out twice during one hour of continuous play exemplifies an intermittent schedule. The player does not receive a payout with every pull of the lever, but rather experiences a reward on an unpredictable basis, making it a prime example of intermittent reinforcement. This unpredictability is a key element that drives continued engagement and is commonly seen in gambling scenarios. For the other scenarios, receiving praise for every test taken, getting a treat every time a dog sits on command, and being rewarded every Friday for hard work are all examples of continuous or fixed reinforcement schedules. These options guarantee a reward each time a behavior is exhibited or at a set interval, which does not embody the characteristics of intermittent reinforcement.