Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

What type of reinforcement schedule results in a slow, steady rate of response?

1. Fixed-ratio reinforcement

2. Variable-interval reinforcement

3. Fixed-interval reinforcement

4. Continuous reinforcement

The correct answer is: Fixed-interval reinforcement

The type of reinforcement schedule that results in a slow, steady rate of response is a fixed-interval reinforcement schedule. In this schedule, a response is reinforced only after a specified interval of time has passed. Because the reinforcement is delivered after a certain fixed period, individuals tend to respond more frequently as they approach the end of the interval, leading to a characteristic scalloped pattern of response. However, the overall rate of responding tends to be steady and slow during the interval, with bursts of activity as the interval draws to a close. This behavior is often observed in various contexts, such as in academic settings where students are conditioned to study before an upcoming test that occurs at regular intervals, or in certain job settings where pay is based on time worked (e.g., receiving a paycheck every two weeks). The predictability of when reinforcement is available contributes to a stable and consistent behavior pattern over time, rather than a rapid or erratic response rate.