A variable interval schedule is the opposite of afixed interval schedule.
This schedule produces a slow, steady rate of response.
By only offering a reward sporadically, people tend to respond at a moderate but steady speed.
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One major plus about using a variable-interval schedule is that it leads to more extinction-proof behavior.
That means that the things that are learned are more likely to stick.
How Does a Variable-Interval Schedule Work?
So, a variable-interval schedule means that reinforcement is delivered at varying and unpredictable time intervals.
Imagine that you are training a pigeon to peck at a key to receive a food pellet.
You put the bird on a variable-interval 30 (VI-30) schedule.
This means that the pigeon will receive reinforcement an average of every 30 seconds.
It is important to note that this is an average, however.
Sometimes the pigeon might be reinforced after 10 seconds; sometimes, it might have to wait 45 seconds.
The key is that the timing is unpredictable.
Key characteristics of a variable-interval schedule:
One possible downside is that response rates tend to be more moderate.
However, this can also be seen as a plus.
Because of this, emails roll in sporadically at entirely unpredictable times.
This is an example of a variable-interval schedule.
These check-ins occur at unpredictable times, so you never know when they might happen.
One week you might end up taking two quizzes, but then go a full two weeks without one.
Schedules of Reinforcement in Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioningcan either strengthen or weaken behaviors through reinforcement and punishment.
This learning process involves forming an association with behavior and the consequences of that action.
Skinneris credited with the introduction of the concept of operant conditioning.
He observed thatreinforcementcould be used to increase a behavior, andpunishmentcould be used to weaken behavior.
A variable-interval one means you’ll only give or receive a reward after a random period of time.
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