Which of the following options represents a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement?

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The correct answer is indicative of a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement, which is characterized by providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, leading to a high and steady rate of behavior. In this case, Sara earns a break if she types an average of 30 words, which suggests that the reward is contingent upon her performance over time rather than being fixed or uniform for every specific completion.

This schedule creates variability in when Sara receives a break, as she may earn it after completing a few more or fewer than 30 words in different instances. The unpredictability of the reinforcement promotes consistent effort and engagement, as Sara does not know exactly when her break will be granted, thus reinforcing her typing behavior in a more dynamic way.

In contrast, other options outline fixed conditions for earning breaks that do not fit the variable ratio criteria. For example, receiving a break for every specific instance of work duration or word count, as indicated in the first two choices, represents a fixed schedule rather than a variable one. Similarly, option C involves an average that implies a more predictable understanding of when breaks would be earned, which does not encapsulate the essence of variability and reinforcement rates in variable ratio schedules.

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