( Q.23 ) Mastery Assess It_3 - Question is in the photo privided below. **Question 23:** With a ____ the behavior is inconsistently reinforced and produces a steady, high rate of response.- ○ variable interval schedule- ○ ratio interval schedule- ○ fixed-interval schedule- ○ predictable interval schedule**Explanation:**In behavioral psychology, a **variable interval schedule** refers to a reinforcement schedule where the first response is rewarded after a random amount of time. This schedule leads to a steady, moderate rate of response because individuals do not know when the next reinforcement is coming, making their behavior less predictable. This contrasts with fixed schedules, where the reinforcement timing is constant and predictable.

Interval schedules are systems of reinforcement where a particular behavior is reinforced at certain intervals (fixed or variable) due to which the behavior becomes stamped in the organism's repertoire. There are various kinds of interval schedules and in the next section, we will look at some of these along with the answer to this problem.There are five types of schedules used by psychologists for behavior modification: continuous, fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval. Schedules like the ratio interval schedule and the predictable interval schedule do not exist. Hence, they are not correct answers. A fixed interval schedule is one where the desired behavior is reinforced after every few seconds or few minutes, that is, after a fixed interval. The reinforcement is consistent and produces a steady rate of response before the reinforcer is given, following which the response rate drops abruptly. Thus, this is also not the correct answer. A variable interval schedule is one where the desired behavior is reinforced after differing intervals of time. So, the behavior may be reinforced after 5 minutes, then after 2 minutes, then after 8 minutes, and so on. The resulting anticipation will increase the organism's behavior and produce a steady, high rate of responding, given the inconsistency of the reinforcement. Thus, this is the correct answer.