Which of the following is one of the four basic schedules of reinforcement?

The correct answer identifies one of the four basic schedules of reinforcement, which is essential for understanding behavior modification. In this context, a variable interval schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed. This unpredictability makes the behavior more resistant to extinction because the individual cannot predict when they will receive reinforcement, leading to higher rates of response over time.

This reinforcement schedule can facilitate the maintenance of desired behaviors due to the uncertainty involved; for example, checking a social media feed might be reinforced at varying times with new posts or notifications, encouraging frequent checking behavior.

Both fixed ratio and fixed interval schedules provide reinforcement after a set number of responses or after a set period, respectively, which can create predictable patterns of behavior that may lead to more rapid extinction compared to variable schedules. Meanwhile, the variable ratio schedule, like that associated with slot machines, reinforces a behavior after an unpredictable number of responses, which can also lead to high rates of behavior but is distinct from variable interval in its dependence on response count rather than time intervals.