Peter Harrison Raises and Sells Zebra Finches, a Kind of Bird

question 85

Short Answer

Peter Harrison raises and sells zebra finches, a kind of bird that is described as an ideal "first bird." One way Harrison finds retail outlets for his birds is to use the Internet to locate retail pet stores that carry birds and bird supplies. What tool is Harrison most likely using in this type of prospecting?

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Definitions:

Variable Ratio Schedules

Are ratio schedules in which the number of times a behavior must occur before it is rewarded changes over time.

Variable Interval Schedules

Are interval schedules in which the amount of time that must pass before a reward is given can change from one reward period to another.

Fixed Ratio Schedules

Are ratio schedules in which the number of times a behavior must occur before it is rewarded remains constant over time.

Reinforcement Theory

A motivational theory suggesting that behavior is driven by its consequences, with rewards increasing the likelihood of repeating behaviors.