A reinforcement schedule where rewards become available after unpredictable time periods, with the first response after each interval being reinforced. This produces steady, moderate response rates with high resistance to extinction.
Developed by B.F. Skinner in the 1950s, combining 'variable' (changeable) with 'interval' (time period). This schedule was designed to eliminate the timing effects seen in fixed interval schedules while maintaining time-based reinforcement.
Variable interval schedules create the most realistic and sustainable work patterns because you can't predict when opportunities will arise. This is why checking email or monitoring for important calls produces steady, consistent behavior rather than the feast-or-famine patterns of other schedules!
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