In a variable-interval reinforcement schedule, reinforcement occurs after varying time intervals, producing a steady, moderate response rate.

In a variable-interval reinforcement schedule, reinforcement occurs after varying time intervals, producing a steady, moderate response rate.

• A. After a fixed time interval.
• B. After a fixed number of responses.
• C. After varying time intervals.
• D. After a random sequence with no pattern.

Answer: (C)

Timing of reinforcement shapes how often an animal responds. In a variable-interval schedule, reinforcement is delivered after varying time intervals that the subject cannot predict. Because the reward isn’t tied to a known time, the subject cannot anticipate when it will occur and keeps responding at a steady, moderate rate rather than pausing after reinforcement. This contrasts with a fixed time interval, which tends to produce a post-reinforcement pause and a burst of responses as the end of the interval nears; a fixed-number-of-responses schedule (fixed-ratio) often yields high response rates with a pause after each reinforcement; and a truly random sequence with no pattern would not reliably create a steady pattern since timing is inconsistent.

Timing of reinforcement shapes how often an animal responds. In a variable-interval schedule, reinforcement is delivered after varying time intervals that the subject cannot predict. Because the reward isn’t tied to a known time, the subject cannot anticipate when it will occur and keeps responding at a steady, moderate rate rather than pausing after reinforcement. This contrasts with a fixed time interval, which tends to produce a post-reinforcement pause and a burst of responses as the end of the interval nears; a fixed-number-of-responses schedule (fixed-ratio) often yields high response rates with a pause after each reinforcement; and a truly random sequence with no pattern would not reliably create a steady pattern since timing is inconsistent.