Reinforcement provided for the first response after a fixed time interval is called?

Reinforcement provided for the first response after a fixed time interval is called?

• A. Variable-Interval Schedule
• B. Fixed-Interval Schedule
• C. Intraverbal
• D. Fixed-Ratio Schedule

Answer: (B)

Reinforcement provided for the first response after a fixed time interval is a fixed-interval schedule. After each reinforcement, a clock starts, and the first response after the preset time has elapsed is reinforced. Because the interval is fixed, you often see a post-reinforcement pause followed by increasing response rates as the end of the interval nears, creating a scalloped pattern. This differs from a variable-interval schedule, where the time until reinforcement varies and the exact moment of reinforcement is unpredictable, leading to a steadier overall rate of responding. A fixed-ratio schedule reinforces after a set number of responses, not after time, so reinforcement depends on responses rather than elapsed time. Intraverbal refers to a type of verbal behavior, not a reinforcement schedule.

Reinforcement provided for the first response after a fixed time interval is a fixed-interval schedule. After each reinforcement, a clock starts, and the first response after the preset time has elapsed is reinforced. Because the interval is fixed, you often see a post-reinforcement pause followed by increasing response rates as the end of the interval nears, creating a scalloped pattern. This differs from a variable-interval schedule, where the time until reinforcement varies and the exact moment of reinforcement is unpredictable, leading to a steadier overall rate of responding. A fixed-ratio schedule reinforces after a set number of responses, not after time, so reinforcement depends on responses rather than elapsed time. Intraverbal refers to a type of verbal behavior, not a reinforcement schedule.