What does a high interresponse time indicate?

A high interresponse time suggests that there are frequent intervals where no behavior is occurring. This term refers to the amount of time that elapses between the end of one response and the beginning of another response. In behavioral analysis, a longer time frame between responses indicates that the individual is not engaging in the behavior consistently or that there may be a delay in initiating the next behavior.

Understanding this concept is essential in behavioral assessments, as it helps to identify patterns in behavior frequency and consistency. A high interresponse time can be an indication of factors such as lack of motivation, external distractions, or the need for reinforcement. In contrast, a lower interresponse time would indicate more frequent and rapid occurrences of the behavior, which is not what is suggested by a high interresponse time.