Which type of schedule typically leads to a higher rate of responses right before reinforcement?

The fixed-interval schedule involves providing reinforcement after a specified amount of time has passed, which leads to a pattern of responses that generally increases as the time for reinforcement approaches. Individuals tend to exhibit a "scalloped" response pattern where they become more active in their behaviors as the reinforcement time draws near, showing a clear spike in responses just before they expect to receive the reinforcement. In this schedule, since the reinforcement is delivered after a fixed time period regardless of the number of responses, learners tend to relax after receiving their reinforcement and only begin to increase their responses as the next time for reinforcement approaches.

In contrast, a variable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, which leads to a high and steady rate of responses without significant pauses. This causes individuals to respond continuously without a clear increase in rate just before reinforcement. The choice of continuous reinforcement involves providing reinforcement after every response, creating a strong learning environment but not leading to a particular increase just before reinforcement occurs. Finally, a fixed-ratio schedule rewards after a set number of responses, which can lead to a high response rate but often results in a post-reinforcement pause, rather than an anticipatory spike in responses immediately before reinforcement.