Final answer:
The variable ratio reinforcement schedule produces a high and steady rate of responding, where reinforcement is delivered after a variable, unpredictable number of responses. It is highly effective due to its unpredictability and resistance to extinction, unlike fixed ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval schedules, which have more predictable patterns of reinforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reinforcement schedule that produces a high rate of responding, as quick responding leads to a faster rate of reinforcement, is known as the variable ratio reinforcement schedule. This schedule is unpredictable, with reinforcement delivered after an unpredictable number of responses, leading to high and steady response rates without a pause after reinforcement. It is considered the most powerful partial reinforcement schedule due to its productivity and its resistance to extinction. For instance, consider the example of gambling, where each play does not guarantee a win, but the unpredictability of wins keeps the gambler playing frequently and consistently. Another instance is in sales, where a salesperson like Carla from the eyeglass store gets a commission after selling a certain number of pairs of glasses, which prompts her to sell more without necessarily focusing on the quality—this is an example of a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule, where a set number of responses must occur before a reward is given. In contrast, fixed interval and variable interval reinforcement schedules are based on time intervals, with the former being predictable and the latter unpredictable. The fixed interval schedule, for example, might involve a hourly dosed medication, where reinforcement (the medication) is given after a set period, leading to a predictable but less productive response pattern.