Explain a fixed interbal with elaborated example
A fixed interval is a type of reinforcement schedule in operant conditioning where a specific amount of time must pass before a behavior is reinforced. This means that the reinforcement is only given after a set interval of time has elapsed, regardless of how many times the behavior is performed during that time period.
For example, let's say a teacher uses a fixed interval schedule to reinforce good behavior in her students. She decides to give out a sticker to each student who raises their hand to answer a question during class discussions. However, she only gives out the stickers at the end of each 10-minute interval. This means that even if a student raises their hand multiple times within that 10-minute period, they will only receive one sticker at the end of the interval.
So, if a student raises their hand three times in the first 10 minutes of class, they will still only receive one sticker at the end of that time period. This fixed interval schedule can lead to a pattern of behavior where the students may initially increase their hand-raising behaviors as the end of the interval approaches, in hopes of being reinforced.