Muutujavahemiku

Muutujavahemiku, often translated as "variable interval," is a concept primarily associated with operant conditioning in the field of psychology. It refers to a schedule of reinforcement where a behavior is rewarded after a variable amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement. The interval of time is not fixed; it changes from one reinforcement to the next, and the average interval is known, but the specific duration between reinforcements is unpredictable.

This type of reinforcement schedule is known to produce high rates of responding. Because the individual does not know precisely when the next reward will occur, they tend to continue performing the behavior consistently in anticipation of reinforcement. This leads to a steady, unwavering response rate. A common real-world example is checking email or social media. Users often check these platforms frequently because they don't know when a new message or notification will appear. Other examples include some forms of gambling, where the unpredictable timing of wins can lead to persistent engagement.

Compared to fixed interval schedules, where reinforcement occurs after a set period, variable interval schedules result in more sustained and less "scalloped" response patterns. The scalloped pattern in fixed intervals is characterized by a low rate of response immediately after reinforcement, followed by an increasing rate as the time for the next reinforcement approaches. In contrast, the unpredictability of the variable interval schedule discourages such patterns, promoting continuous activity.