Final answer:
A behavior reinforced on a variable schedule is more difficult to extinguish than one on a fixed schedule because the reinforcement is unpredictable, leading to a higher resistance to extinction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the schedules of reinforcement in operant conditioning, if a behavior is variably reinforced, it is more difficult to extinguish. This is because in a variable ratio schedule, the reinforcement is given after an unpredictable number of responses, making it less clear to the individual when the reinforcement will cease, and thus more resistant to extinction.
Furthermore, partial reinforcement, which includes variable schedules as well as fixed schedules, results in slower extinction compared to continuous reinforcement, where a behavior is reinforced every time it occurs. On the other hand, a fixed interval schedule, where behavior is rewarded after a set amount of time, tends to lead to quicker extinction once the reinforcement is removed.