Final Answer:
The schedule of reinforcement is a fixed interval schedule, as the individual is rewarded with a cookie after each 10-minute baking interval.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this baking scenario, the reinforcement (eating a cookie) is provided after a fixed amount of time has passed, specifically, after each set of cookies is done baking. This aligns with a fixed interval schedule, where the reinforcement is delivered at a constant, predetermined interval. In this case, the interval is the time it takes to bake each set of cookies, which is 10 minutes. The fact that the time between reinforcements is consistent indicates a fixed interval schedule.
In the realm of behavior analysis, understanding reinforcement schedules is crucial. In a fixed interval schedule, the behavior (in this case, baking cookies) is reinforced only after a specific amount of time has elapsed. This type of schedule can result in a characteristic pattern of behavior, known as a scalloped response pattern.
As the time for reinforcement approaches, the behavior (baking cookies) tends to increase, peaking just before the reinforcement is delivered. After the cookies are baked and the reinforcement is received, the behavior decreases until the next interval begins.