Final answer:
The matching law does not pertain to a specific compound schedule of reinforcement but describes how organisms distribute responses among simultaneous reinforcement options. It can be applied to analyze behavior in various reinforcement schedules such as fixed ratio, fixed interval, and variable ratio schedules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The compound schedule of reinforcement that deals with the matching law is typically not straightforward, as the matching law itself is a principle describing how an organism distributes its responding among alternative sources of reinforcement that are available simultaneously. While the matching law could be applied to various partial reinforcement schedules, it is not exclusive to one particular type such as fixed ratio or variable ratio.
A fixed ratio reinforcement schedule involves a consistent number of responses required to obtain a reward. For example, an eyeglass saleswoman may receive a commission for every set number of pairs of glasses sold. This schedule tends to produce a high response rate with a pause following reinforcement. In contrast, a fixed interval reinforcement schedule provides reinforcement after a set period, and the response rate typically increases as the time for the next reinforcement approaches.
On the other hand, the variable ratio reinforcement schedule, often associated with gambling, is where the number of responses needed before a reward is given varies and is unpredictable. This type of schedule generally yields high and steady response rates without a significant pause after reinforcement. It is considered the most powerful of the partial reinforcement schedules.