Final answer:
The three basic intermittent reinforcement schedules are fixed ratio, where reinforcement occurs after a set number of responses; variable ratio, which rewards unpredictably and maintains high, steady response rates; and variable interval, providing reinforcement at unpredictable time intervals for a moderate response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three variations of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement are fixed ratio schedules, variable ratio schedules, and variable interval schedules. A fixed ratio schedule requires a set number of responses before a reinforcement is given, which can lead to a high response rate followed by a short pause post-reinforcement. Conversely, a variable ratio schedule rewards after an unpredictable number of responses, resulting in a high and steady response rate, making it highly resistant to extinction and the most productive of the reinforcement schedules. Lastly, a variable interval schedule dispenses reinforcement after varying and unpredictable time intervals, which produce a moderate, steady response rate, as the next reinforcement time is unknown.