Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What defines a variable interval schedule?

1. Reinforcement is provided after a fixed number of responses

2. The first response following a variable amount of time is reinforced

3. Reinforcement is delivered continuously

4. Only specific behaviors are reinforced

The correct answer is: The first response following a variable amount of time is reinforced

A variable interval schedule is characterized by reinforcement being provided after the first response following a period of time that varies around a certain average. This means that the amount of time that must pass before reinforcement can occur changes unpredictably, making it difficult for the individual to anticipate when the next reinforcement will happen. This type of schedule enhances the likelihood of consistent responding because the individual learns that responses can be reinforced at various times, which encourages persistence and engagement in the behavior, as they do not know when the reinforcement will occur. The other options describe different schedules of reinforcement. A fixed number of responses outlines a different schedule, while continuous reinforcement implies that every occurrence of a behavior is reinforced. Specific behaviors being reinforced relates to selective reinforcement, which is also not representative of the variable interval schedule. The unique unpredictability of interval reinforcement is crucial for maintaining behavior over time.