What type of reinforcement schedule is illustrated when Joey makes a noise to eventually elicit a scream from his mother after several attempts?

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The scenario describes a variable ratio reinforcement schedule. In this type of schedule, reinforcement (in this case, the mother's scream) occurs after an unpredictable number of responses (the noises made by Joey). Though Joey may make several noises before receiving the desired response, he does not know exactly how many attempts are necessary for reinforcement; it varies each time. This unpredictability creates high levels of responding, as Joey continues to make noise, hoping that each attempt could lead to the scream.

In contrast, a fixed interval schedule would require a specific amount of time to pass before reinforcement is available, which does not apply in this scenario. A fixed ratio schedule involves a set number of responses required for reinforcement, such as needing to make five noises before receiving reinforcement, which is not indicated here. Lastly, continuous reinforcement would mean that every response is reinforced immediately, which again differs from the scenario since Joey only receives the scream after multiple tries rather than consistently.

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