Question

What are four factors other than schedule of reinforcement that can affect resistance to extinction?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Reinforcement is when an action takes place time and again. This repetition of action caused the mind to clearly retain the memory and also create a habit. Because of this, the action is not easily discontinued by extinct.

There are 4 types of schedules for reinforcement. These schedules are based on time and order of repetition. They are:

Fixed Ratio Schedule: This is when a fixed number of responses must occur before reinforcement. The responses must be continuous in being fixed. For instance, practicing mathematics, studying etc.

Fixed Interval Schedule: This is where the action is continuously reinforced after consistent breaks. These actions follow a particular time schedule and are alternately reinforced after a break. This fixed schedule can be hourly, daily, weekly etc.

Variable Ratio Schedule: A varying or average number of responses must take place before reinforcement is able to establish itself. For instance, random quality checks within a workplace can help employees always do their best.

Variable Interval Schedule: A varying period of time or an average time is required between responses for the action to get reinforced. For example, office transfers, surprise tests, surprise bonuses, unexpected promotions etc.

All of these schedules ensure that an action is repeated more than one in order to have person remember or expect them. This is how the memories do not get extinct but are rather habitual.