ABSTRACT
Ferster and Skinner studied fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement with pigeons in the Skinner box. Students of behavior analysis often give what, at first glance, seem to be everyday examples of fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement. However, being an iconoclast, the author goal for this section is to show that Congress is not working on a fixed-interval schedule. The fixed-time schedule does not require a response for the reinforcer to occur, but the fixed-interval schedule does. One of the main reasons for presenting the fixed-time schedule is so the people can contrast it with the fixed-interval schedule. Behavior analysts have studied the effects of many time-dependent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement becomes available after the passage of variable intervals of time. The subject continues to respond for a longer period of time, although the people have with held reinforcement completely. Some intermittent schedules of reinforcement generate behavior that resists extinction more than others do.
