Which of the following is NOT a schedule of reinforcement?

The choice identified as the correct answer refers to Fixed Conditional, which is not recognized as a schedule of reinforcement in behavioral psychology. Reinforcement schedules are critical components in learning theory, particularly in shaping behavior. They describe how often a behavior is reinforced and can significantly influence the learning process.

Reinforcement schedules that are well-established include:

• Fixed interval: This schedule provides reinforcement after a set period, encouraging behavior to be exhibited consistently until the reinforcement is delivered.

• Variable ratio: Under this schedule, reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses, which tends to produce high and steady rates of responding due to the uncertainty of when the next reinforcement will occur.

• Continuous: This method reinforces every instance of a behavior, leading to rapid learning but can also result in rapid extinction when reinforcement is no longer provided.

Given that Fixed Conditional does not fit within the widely recognized frameworks of reinforcement schedules, it stands out as the choice that does not belong. Understanding these categories is crucial for applying effective behavior modification techniques and grasping how reinforcement contingencies can affect learning and behavior persistence.