So what does that even mean? What is "Random Interval Reinforcement" (sometimes called "Variable Interval Reinforcement")?

Here's a quick video summing it up:

Just from her description, I'm sure you can draw a straight line from that to Hive. We all post in hopes of a good payout. Sometimes it happens, other times it doesn't. Not knowing for sure is what keeps us coming back for more. But let's dive deeper into what Random Interval Reinforcement is and how it affects us.

Being acknowledged for commendable work is a gratifying experience, even if it occurs unexpectedly. Some individuals value receiving recognition or incentives sporadically. Impromptu evaluations that hold people accountable can spur them to perform to the best of their capabilities consistently.

Although there are various methods to promote positive conduct, utilizing health inspections, surprise quizzes, and other types of variable interval reinforcement can be effective. Whether you aim to solidify a new routine or stimulate your students to study regularly, this reinforcement schedule is one of several options at your disposal.

The variable interval reinforcement schedule entails the delivery of reinforcements at irregular time intervals, contingent on whether the targeted behavior has been exhibited. These intervals could either be entirely random or fall within a certain timeframe, but they are not predetermined or fixed.

Who “Discovered” Variable Interval Reinforcement?

B.F. Skinner is widely regarded as the "father of operant conditioning" and the initial scholar to document reinforcement schedules. His research was predominantly conducted on animals, in what contemporary psychologists refer to as the "Skinner box." Despite these experiments being primarily confined to a small setting, reinforcement schedules can be applied to humans in large groups globally.

What Are Reinforcements?

If you haven't reviewed other behaviorism concepts lately, here's a brief reminder. Reinforcements bolster a conditioned response. For instance, if you intend to condition a child to make their bed immediately after getting up, they might be capable of doing it independently, but reinforcement can promote that behavior to occur repeatedly.

Reinforcements are not always synonymous with rewards. Positive reinforcements, which are items or privileges provided to a subject after they exhibit a conditioned response, are typically viewed as rewards. Offering a child a candy bar or granting access to their laptop are examples of positive reinforcement. In addition, negative reinforcements can also reinforce conditioned responses by removing something unpleasant or aversive from the subject. Turning off a high-pitched sound or loosening an uncomfortable harness after an animal performs a conditioned response are both considered negative reinforcements.

For psychologists, the application of reinforcements and behavior represents one approach to operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a deliberate process that employs reinforcements or punishments to stimulate (or deter) behavior. Reinforcement can be achieved through various methods or schedules, such as the variable interval reinforcement schedule.

Variable Interval Reinforcement vs. Continuous Reinforcement

Variable interval reinforcement is a form of partially-scheduled reinforcement, in contrast to a continuous reinforcement schedule. It does not entail immediate reinforcement for every instance of a desired behavior. For example, a child who spends the entire day studying instead of playing video games will not be rewarded for every minute or hour of studying. Reinforcements are instead given at random intervals.

Real-Life Examples of Variable Interval Reinforcement

Although not all individuals who utilize this form of operant conditioning may be aware that they are applying a variable interval reinforcement schedule, it functions in the same manner. Some frequently used types of variable interval reinforcement are:

• Health inspections
• Pop quizzes
• Speed traps or DUI checkpoints
• Verbal praise
• Random gifts

1. Health Inspections

A classic instance of variable interval reinforcement is when a health inspector or a mystery shopper visits a workplace. Employees, as well as managers, may not be informed of the precise time when the inspector or shopper will come to evaluate the store, although they may be aware of the frequency of such inspections, such as once every quarter or twice annually. The mystery shopper visits the establishment, interacts with the employees, and provides feedback on their experience. If the employees performed their duties well, they may receive a bonus or receive commendations from their managers.

2. Pop Quizzes

A further classic illustration of variable interval reinforcement is a surprise quiz. Teachers do not disclose the timing of such pop quizzes, necessitating that students pay attention and study regularly throughout the week, month, or semester. If a student has exhibited good conduct by consistently studying, they are likely to perform well on the quiz and receive a higher grade.

3. Speed Traps or DUI Checkpoints

Reinforcements need not always be a form of reward; removing things from a situation can also promote specific behaviors. For instance, speed traps and DUI checkpoints are designed to discourage speeding and drunk driving. These traps are set up at different times, dates, and locations along the highway, creating a constant sense of anxiety among drivers, particularly in states where these measures are routine. However, if a driver is not speeding or their blood alcohol content is below the legal limit (.08), the stress will be removed, and they can continue their journey without penalty.

4. Verbal Praise

You might recall a time when your parent walked into your room and saw you studying instead of goofing off. They may have told you that they were proud of you, and that praise likely made you feel great! However, it's not like your parent offers this praise every time they see you doing well; sometimes they may be too tired or distracted. Verbal praise is often given at varying intervals, and even if there is less intention behind the reinforcement, it's still a form of variable interval reinforcement.

5. Random Gifts

Perhaps your parents have recognized your dedication to practicing the violin and surprised you with a ticket to a concert you’ve been looking forward to. While they can't afford to buy you a concert ticket every time you play the violin, the occasional treat like this likely motivated you to continue your good behavior, not knowing exactly when the next reward will come. This is an example of how variable interval reinforcement can encourage behavior.

Does Random Interval Reinforcement Work??

Research in psychology has shown that the variable interval reinforcement schedule can boost the chances of shaping a behavior, particularly when the reinforcements are frequent. This type of reinforcement schedule certainly keeps the subjects guessing! However, its effectiveness is greater with humans than with animals. Animals may not always associate a reinforcement with a behavior that occurred a week or a day ago, or even two minutes ago.

Encountering a DUI checkpoint can be a powerful incentive to stay sober or have a designated driver. Unpredictable visits from health inspectors can motivate restaurant owners to maintain cleanliness. If drivers know that speed traps are set up at various times throughout the week, they are more likely to adhere to the speed limit than if speed traps were only used once a year. However, giving treats to dogs at random times is unlikely to be effective unless the dog can immediately associate the treat with good behavior. Dogs have short attention spans, so it may be challenging to achieve that connection.

Although there may be a brief dip in performance immediately after reinforcement, the overall frequency of the behavior tends to remain consistent in humans.

What Is the “Best” Reinforcement Schedule?

Administering reinforcement every time a behavior is performed is the most effective way to encourage the subject to repeat it, but it may not always be feasible due to cost, time, and other constraints. This is where partial reinforcement schedules come in, with the variable ratio schedule being a reliable option, as evidenced by the popularity of slot machines. The type of reinforcement, the conditioned response, and the ratio or intervals all play a role in determining the effectiveness of the reinforcement. For instance, giving a child a small allowance only once a year for making their bed is unlikely to motivate them to make it every day, but if the allowance is a trip to an amusement park, they may be more inclined to do so.

How to Use Variable Interval Reinforcement In Training

To motivate your child to do their homework or your employees to greet every customer, try using variable interval reinforcement. Choose a random day of the year to evaluate their behavior and reward them accordingly if they are meeting your expectations.

For instance, if you want your child to maintain a tidy room, inform them about “surprise inspections” and the reinforcement you plan to provide. Is it a raise in allowance, a new game, or the latest iPhone? By disclosing the reward in advance, your child will understand the stakes and be more driven to keep their room clean. Choose a random number, say six, and remind yourself to inspect their room in six days. But don't wait too long!

It can be challenging to establish a variable interval reinforcement schedule for oneself as self-surprise is not possible. However, having an accountabilibuddy or a trainer can be helpful in this regard. Share your goals with them and ask them to incorporate a variable interval reinforcement schedule in your meetings or training sessions. Discuss the reinforcements that will motivate you to adhere to your goals. With their support, you may find yourself performing better than before!

Other Schedules of Reinforcement

Variable interval reinforcement is only one of the four main partial schedules of reinforcement identified by psychologists. The other three are:

• Fixed Interval Reinforcement
• Fixed Ratio Reinforcement
• Variable Ratio Reinforcement

Fixed Interval Reinforcement

Psychologists have a term for when reinforcements are given at specific time intervals, such as the same day each week or after a fixed amount of time has passed. This is called "fixed interval reinforcement." For instance, providing an allowance to a child at the end of every week if they have completed their chores is an example of fixed interval reinforcement. Even if there is only one chore on the list and the child completes it just an hour before the end of the week, they will still receive the reinforcement.

Fixed Ratio Reinforcement

The frequency of response can also be a factor in reinforcement schedules. For instance, when you reward your child after they have completed five hours of studying, you are implementing a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule. A rewards card at a coffee shop or retail store is a classic example of this type of reinforcement, where the customer receives a free item after making a specific number of purchases, such as buying nine coffees to get one free.

Variable Ratio Reinforcement

A variable ratio reinforcement schedule distributes reinforcements at varying ratios, meaning the number of responses required to receive a reinforcement is not fixed. The required number of responses may vary from time to time. For instance, sometimes reinforcement is given after two conditioned responses, while at other times, it may require 100 responses. Slot machines provide a good example of variable ratio reinforcement. Players are motivated to keep playing in the hopes of receiving reinforcement in the next round.