Which reinforcement schedule leads to a high rate of responding?

A variable-ratio schedule is a type of reinforcement schedule that delivers rewards after an unpredictable number of responses. This unpredictability creates a high rate of responding because the subject is motivated to respond repeatedly in the hope that the next response will lead to a reinforcement. For example, this schedule is often observed in gambling scenarios, where players do not know when they might hit a jackpot, prompting them to continue playing.

The variable-ratio schedule is known for producing a high and steady rate of responses, as individuals feel compelled to keep trying in anticipation of the next reward. This adds to the excitement and unpredictability, further reinforcing the behavior.

In contrast, a fixed-interval schedule, while it encourages responding, often leads to a "scalloped" pattern of behavior where individuals respond quickly as the reinforcement approaches but slow down immediately after receiving reinforcement. Similarly, a fixed-ratio schedule does encourage a high rate of response, but it can lead to short pauses after a reward is given, which is less effective in maintaining a continuous high level of response. Continuous reinforcement, although effective in establishing a behavior initially, typically leads to a lower overall rate of response once the reinforcement is stopped, as the subject quickly learns that the reward is no longer consistently available. Thus