Question

continuously checking to see if a batch of cookies is done baking is an example of the ______ schedule of reinforcement. variable - ratio fixed - ratio fixed - interval variable - interval

Explanation:

In operant conditioning, a fixed - interval schedule of reinforcement is when reinforcement is available after a fixed amount of time has passed. Continuously checking for cookies (assuming a set baking time) fits this as there's an expected time interval (fixed) before the "reinforcement" (cookies done). Variable - ratio has reinforcement after a variable number of responses, fixed - ratio after a fixed number of responses, and variable - interval after a variable time.

Answer:

C. fixed - interval