Final answer:
Ronald's behavior of persistently buying lottery tickets despite frequent losses can be explained by the operant conditioning principle of variable-ratio reinforcement schedule, as used in gambling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The operant principle that best explains Ronald's behavior is the variable-ratio reinforcement schedule. This schedule rewards a response after an unpredictable number of actions, causing high rates of response that are resistant to extinction. Skinner pointed out that gambling, including lotteries, utilizes this type of reinforcement schedule to maintain behavior, as they provide intermittent reinforcement. Ronald's experience with winning the lottery on a few occasions reinforces his behavior to continue purchasing tickets, despite frequent losses, because he is motivated by the unpredictable reinforcement and the potential for large returns.
Gambling establishments leverage this operant conditioning method effectively, capitalizing on the hope and anticipation of players, who are driven by the excitement of not knowing when the next reinforcement or win will occur. Individuals like Ronald who engage in this activity find it difficult to stop as they recall the times they won and continue to chase the possibility of another win, regardless of how occasionally it happens. Thus, Ronald's persistent purchase of lottery tickets, despite mostly losing, is a classic example of the power of the variable-ratio reinforcement schedule.