Variable interval psychology definition refers to a reinforcement schedule in which specific behaviors are rewarded only after an unpredictable and varying amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement. Frequency, consistency, type of reinforcement, and ratio are the fundamental elements that define variable interval psychology definition in operant conditioning. Psychologists apply variable interval reinforcement schedules to increase the frequency of desired behaviors and shape behavior in educational, training, and therapeutic settings.
Variable Interval Reinforcement
In a variable interval (VI) reinforcement schedule, the time between reinforcements varies randomly, but the average time between reinforcements remains constant. For example, in a VI 60 reinforcement schedule, the average time between reinforcements is 60 seconds, but the actual time between reinforcements may vary from 40 to 80 seconds.
VI reinforcement schedules are often used to train animals and humans because they produce a high rate of responding. This is because the animal or human does not know when the next reinforcement will occur, so they keep responding in the hope of getting a reinforcement.
VI reinforcement schedules can be used to shape behavior by increasing the frequency of a desired behavior. For example, a teacher may use a VI reinforcement schedule to increase the frequency of a student’s hand-raising behavior. The teacher would start by reinforcing the student every time they raise their hand. Once the student is consistently raising their hand, the teacher would start to reinforce them less frequently. Eventually, the student would only be reinforced for raising their hand a few times per class period.
VI reinforcement schedules can also be used to maintain behavior. For example, an employer may use a VI reinforcement schedule to maintain an employee’s productivity. The employer would start by reinforcing the employee every time they met their productivity goal. Once the employee is consistently meeting their productivity goal, the employer would start to reinforce them less frequently. Eventually, the employee would only be reinforced for meeting their productivity goal a few times per month.
Properties of VI Reinforcement Schedules
* The average time between reinforcements is constant.
* The actual time between reinforcements varies randomly.
* VI reinforcement schedules produce a high rate of responding.
* VI reinforcement schedules can be used to shape and maintain behavior.
Comparison of VI and VR Schedules
| Feature | VI | VR |
|---|---|---|
| Time between reinforcements | Varies randomly, but average time is constant | Varies randomly, but average number of responses is constant |
| Rate of responding | High | Low |
| Usefulness for shaping behavior | Effective | Less effective |
| Usefulness for maintaining behavior | Effective | Effective |
Table 1. Comparison of VI and VR Reinforcement Schedules
Question 1:
What is the definition of variable interval psychology?
Answer:
Variable interval psychology is a reinforcement schedule in which the time between reinforcements varies. Each reinforcement is given after a random amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement.
Question 2:
How does variable interval psychology differ from fixed interval psychology?
Answer:
Variable interval psychology differs from fixed interval psychology in that the time between reinforcements is unpredictable. In fixed interval psychology, the time between reinforcements is constant.
Question 3:
What are the effects of variable interval psychology on behavior?
Answer:
Variable interval psychology has a strong effect on behavior. It produces a high rate of responding, as organisms are consistently motivated by the hope of receiving a reinforcement. This schedule is also resistant to extinction, as organisms will continue to respond even when reinforcements are no longer given.
And that wraps up our dive into the mysterious world of variable interval psychology! Thanks for sticking with me through these psychological musings. If you’re looking to delve into more mind-boggling topics, be sure to swing by later. I’ll be waiting with a bag full of psychology goodies to quench your curiosity!