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Answers could vary, but make sure that the student shows that a certain number of desired behaviors must occur before the reinforcer is delivered, but the number of behaviors varies around some average. One example is:
Gambling casinos and state lotteries. They use a variable ratio schedule because they lure patrons to shoot craps, play poker, feed slot machines, and buy lottery tickets. Patrons win, but not on any regular basis. The desired behavior is the use of the patron’s money to play the games, and the reinforcer is the potential to win big. The patron doesn’t know how many times he will have to play in order to win. Therefore it is a variable ratio schedule.
The learner must observe the other person - the model - when the behavior is being performed.
The learner must accurately perceive the model's behavior.
The learner must remember the behavior.
The learner must have the skills and abilities necessary to perform the behavior.
The learner must observe that the model receives rewards for the behavior.
Gambling casinos and state lotteries. They use a variable ratio schedule because they lure patrons to shoot craps, play poker, feed slot machines, and buy lottery tickets. Patrons win, but not on any regular basis. The desired behavior is the use of the patron’s money to play the games, and the reinforcer is the potential to win big. The patron doesn’t know how many times he will have to play in order to win. Therefore it is a variable ratio schedule.
Conditions that must be met for vicarious learning to occur
The learner must observe the other person - the model - when the behavior is being performed.
The learner must accurately perceive the model's behavior.
The learner must remember the behavior.
The learner must have the skills and abilities necessary to perform the behavior.
The learner must observe that the model receives rewards for the behavior.
