Which statement best describes interval schedules?

Which statement best describes interval schedules?

• A. Reinforcement depends on time elapsed since last reinforcement
• B. Reinforcement depends on the number of correct responses
• C. A schedule where reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses
• D. A schedule where all correct responses are reinforced

Answer: (A)

Interval schedules are all about time. They deliver reinforcement based on how much time has passed since the last reinforcement, not on how many times the behavior has occurred. After the reinforcement is obtained, a new interval starts, and reinforcement becomes available again once that interval elapses, regardless of how many responses happen in between. This creates patterns where responding is steady but can show pauses after reinforcement, then gradual increases as the next interval ends. The other descriptions describe different types of schedules: one ties reinforcement to a set number of responses (a ratio schedule), and another reinforces every correct response (continuous reinforcement), which is not about timing between reinforcements.

Interval schedules are all about time. They deliver reinforcement based on how much time has passed since the last reinforcement, not on how many times the behavior has occurred. After the reinforcement is obtained, a new interval starts, and reinforcement becomes available again once that interval elapses, regardless of how many responses happen in between. This creates patterns where responding is steady but can show pauses after reinforcement, then gradual increases as the next interval ends.

The other descriptions describe different types of schedules: one ties reinforcement to a set number of responses (a ratio schedule), and another reinforces every correct response (continuous reinforcement), which is not about timing between reinforcements.