Final answer:
In operant conditioning, there are different types of reinforcement schedules: variable interval, fixed interval, and variable ratio. Each schedule has different characteristics and affects behavior in different ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
In operant conditioning, there are different types of reinforcement schedules. One example is the variable interval reinforcement schedule, where reinforcement is given after varying amounts of time. For instance, in the example of Manuel managing a fast-food restaurant, the quality control bonus is an unpredictable reinforcement given to the employees when the restaurant is clean and the service is fast.
Another type is the fixed interval reinforcement schedule, where a behavior is rewarded after a set amount of time. An example of this would be June receiving pain medication on an hourly basis after a major surgery.
Lastly, there is the variable ratio reinforcement schedule, where reinforcements are given after an unpredictable number of responses. This type of reinforcement, like gambling, can maintain behavior for a long time even without continuous reinforcement.