In the realm of operant conditioning, a schedule of reinforcement where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has passed is present. This schedule yields a moderate, steady rate of responding because the individual cannot predict when the reinforcement will become available. An example would be checking email; one checks at random times because one never knows exactly when a new email will arrive.
This type of reinforcement schedule is important for maintaining consistent behavior over long periods. Because the reward’s timing is unpredictable, the subject is more likely to continue the behavior in anticipation of the eventual reinforcement. Historically, understanding these schedules has been vital in diverse fields, from animal training to designing effective strategies in behavioral therapy, highlighting how modifying behavior requires an understanding of these principles.
