Which term refers to a reinforcement schedule that does not change in terms of response requirement?

A fixed schedule refers to a reinforcement schedule in which the response requirement remains constant, meaning that reinforcement is delivered after a set number of responses or after a set period of time. This consistent nature provides predictability and allows individuals to develop routines based on the expectation of reinforcement. For instance, in a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after a specific number of responses (e.g., every 5 responses), while in a fixed interval schedule, reinforcement is delivered after a specified period of time has elapsed (e.g., every 10 minutes). This predictability can lead to a steady pattern of responding that aligns with the established schedule.

In contrast, variable schedules introduce unpredictability, where the response or time intervals change, creating different behavioral patterns. Intermittent schedules involve reinforcement being provided at intervals rather than continuously, and continuous schedules involve reinforcing every instance of a behavior. However, the key characteristic of a fixed schedule is its unchanging nature regarding response requirements.