What ratio of reinforcement leads to the quickest habituation of a newly acquired behavior?

What ratio of reinforcement leads to the quickest habituation of a newly acquired behavior?

• A. A random ratio of tokens to correct responses
• B. A ratio of 1 token to 1 correct response
• C. A ratio of 1 token to 4 correct responses only
• D. A ratio of 1 token to 10 correct responses only

Answer: (A)

The quickest habituation of a newly acquired behavior is achieved through a random ratio of reinforcement, such as tokens to correct responses. This approach is consistent with the principles of operant conditioning, specifically the concept of variable-ratio reinforcement schedules. In this context, when reinforcement is delivered on a variable schedule, the learner remains more engaged and motivated due to the unpredictability of when rewards will occur. This unpredictability creates a higher level of excitement and commitment to the behavior because the individual is unsure of when they will receive the reinforcement, which reinforces the behavior more effectively. Over time, the individual learns to expect rewards at various intervals, leading to faster habituation and mastery of the new behavior. In contrast, fixed ratios, such as a 1:1 or a 1:4 ratio, may lead to quicker initial understanding of the behavior but can result in a decrease in motivation over time due to predictability. As a result, behaviors acquired under fixed schedules may not sustain over the long term as effectively as those under variable-ratio schedules.

The quickest habituation of a newly acquired behavior is achieved through a random ratio of reinforcement, such as tokens to correct responses. This approach is consistent with the principles of operant conditioning, specifically the concept of variable-ratio reinforcement schedules. In this context, when reinforcement is delivered on a variable schedule, the learner remains more engaged and motivated due to the unpredictability of when rewards will occur.

This unpredictability creates a higher level of excitement and commitment to the behavior because the individual is unsure of when they will receive the reinforcement, which reinforces the behavior more effectively. Over time, the individual learns to expect rewards at various intervals, leading to faster habituation and mastery of the new behavior.

In contrast, fixed ratios, such as a 1:1 or a 1:4 ratio, may lead to quicker initial understanding of the behavior but can result in a decrease in motivation over time due to predictability. As a result, behaviors acquired under fixed schedules may not sustain over the long term as effectively as those under variable-ratio schedules.