Operant Conditioning Practice Test

Fixed-interval schedule: the first lever press after a fixed time (60 seconds) is reinforced, often producing scalloped response patterns.

Fixed-ratio schedule: food follows every set number of presses, so the rat must press a certain count regardless of time.

Variable-ratio schedule: food follows an unpredictable number of lever presses, yielding very high, steady pressing without timing effects.

Variable-interval schedule: the first press after varying time intervals is reinforced, producing steady responding with little scalloping.