In a Fixed Interval (FI) schedule, when does a reward occur?

In a Fixed Interval (FI) schedule, a reward is given after a specific interval of time has elapsed. This type of schedule means that a response is reinforced only after a designated time period has passed, ensuring that the behavior is only reinforced when the specific time frame is reached.

For example, if a dog is trained to receive a treat every 5 minutes, the dog will only get the treat if they perform the desired behavior after that 5-minute interval has passed. This reinforcement method encourages the dog to learn that there's a predictable pattern to when they are rewarded, thus motivating them to respond when they believe the time has come for a reward.

The other options describe different reinforcement schedules: a fixed number of responses pertains to a Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule, while variable time and unpredictability relate to Variable Interval (VI) and Random schedules, respectively. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective training techniques.