A schedule in which reinforcement frequency is determined by the passage of time, rather than the number of responses, is called what?

A schedule in which reinforcement frequency is determined by the passage of time, rather than the number of responses, is called what?

• A. Interval
• B. Ratio
• C. Fixed
• D. Variable

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement schedules can be based on time or on how many responses the organism makes. When reinforcement is determined by the passage of time rather than the number of responses, that pattern is called an interval schedule. This contrasts with a ratio schedule, where reinforcement depends on a certain number of responses. The terms fixed and variable describe whether that time interval is constant or unpredictable, respectively, but the essential idea described in the question is time-based control, so interval is the best fit.

Reinforcement schedules can be based on time or on how many responses the organism makes. When reinforcement is determined by the passage of time rather than the number of responses, that pattern is called an interval schedule. This contrasts with a ratio schedule, where reinforcement depends on a certain number of responses. The terms fixed and variable describe whether that time interval is constant or unpredictable, respectively, but the essential idea described in the question is time-based control, so interval is the best fit.