Which schedule tends to produce high, steady rates of responding and is highly resistant to extinction?

• A. Variable Ratio Reward Schedule
• B. Fixed Interval Reward Schedule
• C. Fixed Ratio Reward Schedule
• D. Continuous Reward Schedule

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement schedules shape how often and how persistently an animal responds. The variable ratio reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, with the average set but the exact count varying. This unpredictability keeps responding high and steady because any response could be the one that yields a reward, so the subject stays engaged and continues responding at a constant, elevated rate. It is also highly resistant to extinction: the irregular pattern means the animal learns that rewards can come at unpredictable times, so continuing to respond remains advantageous even when reinforcement becomes sparse or delayed. In contrast, fixed interval schedules produce bursts of responding as the time for the next reward approaches, fixed ratio schedules produce high rates with post-reinforcement pauses, and continuous reinforcement leads to rapid acquisition but poor persistence when rewards stop.