Final answer:
Monthly paychecks are an example of a fixed interval reinforcement schedule, which provides a reward after a set period of time. This is in contrast to slot machines, which are based on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, requiring an unpredictable number of responses before rewarding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Monthly paychecks are an example of a fixed interval reinforcement schedule. In this type of schedule, behavior is rewarded after a set amount of time, such as a monthly paycheck regardless of the number of tasks completed. Contrast this with slot machines, which operate on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, where the reinforcement, or reward, is given after an unpredictable number of responses. This behavior is highly resistant to extinction due to its unpredictable nature and leads to a high rate of response without a pause after reinforcement.
In the context of operant conditioning, it's essential to understand different reinforcement schedules as they can influence behavior in distinct ways. A fixed ratio schedule requires a set number of responses before a reward is given, while a variable interval schedule provides reinforcement after varying and unpredictable amounts of time.