Final answer:
A schedule of reinforcement is a specific pattern of presentation of reinforcers over time, which determines when and how often a behavior will be reinforced. There are different types of schedules, such as fixed interval and variable ratio, that can shape behavior and affect resistance to extinction. The correct answer is option: a) a specific pattern of presentation of reinforcers over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
A schedule of reinforcement is a specific pattern of presentation of reinforcers over time. It is a way to determine when and how often a behavior will be reinforced. There are several types of reinforcement schedules, including fixed interval, variable interval, fixed ratio, and variable ratio.
For example, in a fixed interval schedule, behavior is rewarded after a set amount of time. An example of this is a surgery patient receiving medication every hour for pain relief. In a variable ratio schedule, the number of responses needed for a reward varies, which is often seen in gambling.
Reinforcement schedules can have different effects on behavior, such as shaping behavior through closer and closer approximations of a desired response. They can also influence the resistance to extinction, with variable ratio schedules being the most resistant.