Final answer:
In gambling psychology, the reinforcement schedule used is the variable ratio reinforcement schedule, which rewards gamblers after an unpredictable number of responses, maintaining continuous engagement and making behavior very resistant to extinction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reinforcement schedule known in gambling psychology is the variable ratio reinforcement schedule. This form of reinforcement is based on a variable number of responses needed for a reward, which makes it somewhat unpredictable and very powerful in maintaining behavior. Slot machines, a common form of gambling, utilize this schedule to provide rewards to gamblers. Unlike fixed schedules, where the reinforcement comes after a set number of responses or a set amount of time, variable ratios are not predictable, which keeps gamblers engaged and makes the behavior resistant to extinction. Skinner highlighted the effectiveness of variable-ratio schedules in gambling, suggesting that they can keep behavior persistent even during periods without reinforcement.
Overall, the variable ratio is the most effective reinforcement schedule in gambling scenarios due to its unpredictability and the way it entices continued engagement from the participant. This schedule is what makes gambling activities such as slot machine play potentially addictive and difficult to cease.