What is one example of a Fixed Interval reinforcement?

Fixed Interval reinforcement is characterized by providing reinforcement following a specific amount of time that has passed, regardless of the number of responses made during that interval. This means that as long as the desired behavior is performed at least once after the predetermined time period, reinforcement will be delivered. For example, if a worker receives a paycheck every two weeks, they are reinforced for their efforts based on the fixed time interval rather than the amount of work they completed during that period.

In contrast, the other descriptions refer to different schedules of reinforcement. For instance, reinforcement after a set number of responses describes a Fixed Ratio schedule, where reinforcement is contingent on a specific number of actions being performed. Reinforcement after varying times aligns with a Variable Interval schedule, where the time intervals are unpredictable. Reinforcement after every response is indicative of a Continuous reinforcement schedule, which differs significantly because it provides reinforcement for every occurrence of the behavior. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for correctly categorizing reinforcement schedules.