Final answer:
Rover's TV-watching behavior aligns with a fixed interval reinforcement schedule if he watches at regular time intervals. A fixed ratio schedule fits if the behavior depends on a set number of actions completed, while a variable ratio would apply if the actions required vary. For unpredictable watching durations, a variable interval schedule is suitable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavior of Rover watching television would be considered a fixed interval reinforcement schedule if Rover watches TV at regular time intervals (Option A). This is because in a fixed interval schedule, the reinforcement (in this case, watching TV) is provided after a set amount of time has passed. For instance, if Rover watches TV every evening at 6 pm, this would be a fixed interval schedule, similar to how a patient in a hospital might receive pain relief medication at fixed hourly intervals.
If, on the other hand, Rover's television watching was contingent upon completing a fixed number of behaviors (Option C), it would be considered a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule. An example of a fixed ratio schedule is an eyeglass saleswoman who receives a commission after selling a set number of glasses.
However, if Rover watches television after an unpredictable number of behaviors (Option D), it would be considered a variable ratio schedule, where reinforcement is given after a variable number of responses, which is powerful and resistant to extinction.
Lastly, if the duration of Rover's television watching varies unpredictably, this could be indicative of a variable interval schedule (Option B), where reinforcements are provided at unpredictable time intervals, like a manager receiving random quality control checks.