Which option lists the two kinds of interval schedules?

Which option lists the two kinds of interval schedules?

• A. Fixed Ratio and Variable Ratio
• B. Continuous reinforcement
• C. Fixed Interval and Variable Interval
• D. Intermittent reinforcement

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning can be grouped by whether they depend on time or on the number of responses. The two kinds of interval schedules are fixed interval and variable interval. Fixed interval means reinforcement becomes available after a set amount of time has passed, and the first correct response after that interval gets reinforced. This tends to produce a pattern where responses rise as the time for the next reward approaches, with a lull right after reinforcement. Variable interval means the time to the next possible reinforcement varies unpredictably, so responses stay fairly steady because the next reward could come at any moment. The other options don’t fit as interval schedules: fixed ratio and variable ratio are based on the number of responses, not time; continuous reinforcement rewards every response, which is not about intervals; and intermittent reinforcement is the broader category that includes both interval and ratio but doesn’t specify the two interval types.

Reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning can be grouped by whether they depend on time or on the number of responses. The two kinds of interval schedules are fixed interval and variable interval. Fixed interval means reinforcement becomes available after a set amount of time has passed, and the first correct response after that interval gets reinforced. This tends to produce a pattern where responses rise as the time for the next reward approaches, with a lull right after reinforcement. Variable interval means the time to the next possible reinforcement varies unpredictably, so responses stay fairly steady because the next reward could come at any moment.

The other options don’t fit as interval schedules: fixed ratio and variable ratio are based on the number of responses, not time; continuous reinforcement rewards every response, which is not about intervals; and intermittent reinforcement is the broader category that includes both interval and ratio but doesn’t specify the two interval types.