In operant conditioning, what is the term for a reinforcer that is delivered contingent upon the first behavior after a specified period of time has elapsed?

• A. Fixed interval schedule
• B. Fixed ratio schedule
• C. Variable ratio schedule
• D. Continuous reinforcement

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of operant conditioning, which involves learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by reinforcements or punishments.
2. Recognize that reinforcement schedules describe how and when a behavior is followed by a reinforcer, affecting the rate and pattern of the behavior.
3. Identify that a 'fixed interval schedule' delivers reinforcement after a fixed amount of time has passed, but only if the behavior occurs after that time interval.
4. Contrast this with other schedules: a 'fixed ratio schedule' reinforces after a set number of responses, a 'variable ratio schedule' after an unpredictable number of responses, and 'continuous reinforcement' after every response.
5. Conclude that the schedule where the reinforcer is given contingent upon the first behavior after a specified time interval is called a fixed interval schedule.