The steady, rapid responding of a person playing a slot machine is an example of the pattern of responding typically generated on a ___________ schedule. A. fixed-ratio B. variable-ratio C. fixed-interval D. variable-interval

Reinforcement schedules can be divided into four categories: 1. Fixed-ratio (FR): A reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses. For example, a worker may receive a bonus after completing a certain number of tasks. 2. Variable-ratio (VR): A reinforcement is given after an unpredictable number of responses. The reinforcement, on average, is delivered following a predetermined number of responses. For example, a salesperson may receive a commission after making a random number of sales calls. 3. Fixed-interval (FI): A reinforcement is given for the first response after a fixed period has elapsed. For example, an employee may receive their paycheck every two weeks. 4. Variable-interval (VI): A reinforcement is given for the first response after an unpredictable period has elapsed. The reinforcement, on average, is delivered following a predetermined time interval. For example, a random check of a student's work may happen at unpredictable time intervals during the academic year.

We need to determine which reinforcement schedule best describes the steady, rapid responding of a person playing a slot machine. The critical elements of the situation are that the player responds quickly and constantly. Fixed-ratio (FR) and Fixed-interval (FI) schedules are not a good fit in this scenario, because they involve a reinforcement after a fixed number of responses or time, which does not match the constant and unpredictable nature of slot machines. Variable-interval (VI) does involve reinforcement after unpredictable time intervals, but it doesn't match the rapid responding pattern because the person is not aware of when the reinforcement will come.

Variable-ratio (VR) schedule is the best match for the slot machine example because it involves reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. This type of schedule typically generates a steady, rapid response pattern as the person playing the slot machine does not know when the reinforcement (win) will come, and they continuously make rapid responses in the hope of winning. Answer: B. Variable-ratio