Final answer:
To achieve long-lasting behavior change with reinforcement, use a Variable Ratio (VR) schedule, which is unpredictable but leads to high, steady response rates and is the most resistant to extinction once reinforcement ends.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you want to see the most change in behavior and ensure that this change is long-lasting when the reinforcement program ends, the best combination of schedules of reinforcement to use would be a Variable Ratio (VR) schedule. A VR schedule is when the number of responses needed for a reward varies, which is the most powerful partial reinforcement schedule and is known for producing high, steady response rates without much pause after reinforcement. This schedule is similar to how slot machines reward gamblers, creating a high level of persistence in the behavior, even when reinforcement is not constantly given. As a result, behaviors reinforced under the variable ratio schedule tend to be very resistant to extinction, making it the most effective for long-term behavior change.
On the other hand, Fixed Ratio (FR), Variable Interval (VI), and Fixed Interval (FI) schedules offer different patterns of response. For instance, the FR schedule produces a high response rate with a pause after reinforcement, the VI schedule leads to a moderate, steady response rate, and the FI schedule results in a scallop-shaped response pattern with a significant pause after reinforcement. Among these, the VR schedule is the best for maintaining behavior even after the treatment concludes, because it creates a strong, persistent response that doesn't rely on constant reinforcement.