Variable schedules of reinforcement produce which of the following rates of responding?

Variable schedules of reinforcement, which include both variable ratio and variable interval schedules, are known to produce a high and steady rate of responding. This is because individuals reinforced on a variable schedule do not know when the next reinforcement will come, which keeps them engaged in the behavior in anticipation of the reward. The unpredictability of when the reinforcement will occur encourages continuous responding, often leading to a consistent, steady rate of behavior without significant pauses.

In contrast, fixed schedules tend to result in a pause after reinforcement before behavior resumes. With variable schedules, the combination of unpredictability and the prospect of reward motivates the individual to maintain a steady rate of responding. This understanding is crucial for applying reinforcement strategies effectively in behavioral interventions, particularly in contexts like working with individuals on the autism spectrum.