Interval schedules of reinforcement require what type of condition to be satisfied?

Interval schedules of reinforcement are characterized by the requirement that a specific amount of time must pass before a reinforcement can be delivered. This means that the individual must wait for a predetermined time interval to elapse before they can receive a reward for their behavior. The timing aspect is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of time in the learning process.

When using interval schedules, the focus is not just on the amount of behavior (as in ratio schedules), but on the timing of that behavior in relation to the reinforcement delivery. This type of schedule often leads to predictable patterns of behavior, where individuals learn to time their responses according to the intervals established. For example, in a fixed interval schedule, reinforcement is given after a set amount of time, which encourages the subject to engage in the behavior more often as they approach the end of the interval.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of interval schedules. While a certain number of responses refers to ratio schedules, immediate feedback relates to the nature of reinforcement rather than the timing of its delivery. Similarly, a variable number of intervals suggests variability that is more reflective of a different type of schedule compared to the time-based nature of interval reinforcement.