Final answer:
The act of holding the door without consistent acknowledgment is an example of a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, where reinforcement is given after an unpredictable number of responses. This schedule produces a high and steady rate of response due to the random chance of receiving reinforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act of holding the door for someone without receiving a smile or a "thank you" each time can be best described using the concept of partial reinforcement. Specifically, the behavior is reinforced on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule. This type of schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, making it random and erratic as to when one might receive thanks or acknowledgment for their action. The variable ratio schedule tends to produce a high level of response because reinforcement is uncertain, motivating the individual to continue the behavior in hopes of receiving reinforcement.
For example, when people gamble on a slot machine, they are experiencing a variable ratio reinforcement schedule because they do not win with every pull of the lever; rather, they win unpredictably which keeps them playing in hope of the next win. Similarly, when holding open a door, you might receive a thanks sometimes, but not every time, which can keep you holding doors due to the occasional reinforcement.