Final answer:
Jason is on a fixed interval reinforcement schedule, receiving play breaks after a set time spent on homework. Slot machines use a variable ratio schedule, rewarding users unpredictably based on the number of times they play. Understanding these schedules helps in predicting behavior learning and extinction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jason receives a play break after a set amount of time spent on homework, which follows a fixed interval reinforcement schedule. This type of schedule means that behavior is rewarded after a set amount of time, regardless of how many times the behavior occurs within that interval. Comparatively, slot machines operate on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, where the number of responses (or actions) needed before a reward is given varies, making it unpredictable and very effective at maintaining behavior.
Understanding these schedules is important as they can greatly affect how quickly a behavior is learned or extinguished. For instance, with a fixed interval schedule, there tends to be a significant pause after reinforcement, as seen with June, who gets pain relief medication on a fixed hourly schedule. However, a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule, like the one that motivates Carla the eyeglass saleswoman, depends on a set number of responses and encourages a high rate of response with a short pause post-reinforcement.