Given below are two statements: 

Assertion (A): In fixed interval schedule of reinforcement, behaviour is reinforced in a fixed time period.
Reason (R): When students get feedback intermittently, their level of performance increases.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(A): In a fixed interval schedule of reinforcement, behaviour is reinforced after a fixed amount of time has passed, regardless of the number of responses. This is correct because a reinforcement occurs at a predetermined time interval.
(R): Intermittent feedback (e.g., feedback given at random intervals or at certain milestones) is known to increase performance by motivating the individual, which is correct. However, (R) does not directly explain the concept of a fixed interval reinforcement schedule since feedback impacts motivation rather than directly describing how reinforcement occurs over a fixed period.

Information Booster:

-What is Reinforcement?
Reinforcement is a process that increases the likelihood of a behaviour by following it with a positive consequence (reinforcer). It can be positive (adding a pleasant stimulus) or negative (removing an unpleasant stimulus).

-Schedules of Reinforcement
Reinforcement schedules describe how often and under what conditions reinforcement is provided. The most common reinforcement schedules include:

1. Continuous Reinforcement
Definition: A reinforcer is delivered after every correct response.
Characteristics:
Fast learning of new behaviours.
Easily extinguished when reinforcement stops.
Example: A teacher rewards a student with praise every time they answer correctly.

2. Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement
The reinforcer is provided after some responses rather than every response.
Leads to stronger and more persistent learning compared to continuous reinforcement.
2.1 Fixed Ratio (FR)
Definition: Reinforcer is delivered after a fixed number of responses.
Characteristics:
Produces a high rate of responding.
Post-reinforcement pause: A pause after reinforcement, followed by an increase in response rates just before the next reinforcement.
Example: A worker receives a bonus after completing 10 tasks.
2.2 Variable Ratio (VR)
Definition: Reinforcer is given after a random number of responses, but on average, it follows a specific number.
Characteristics:
Most resistant to extinction.
Produces high steady response rates.
Example: Gambling or slot machines.
2.3 Fixed Interval (FI)
Definition: Reinforcer is given for the first correct response after a fixed period of time.
Characteristics:
Responses increase as the reinforcement time approaches (scalloping effect).
Moderate rate of responding.
Example: Getting a paycheck every two weeks.
2.4 Variable Interval (VI)
Definition: Reinforcer is given after varying time intervals.
Characteristics:
Produces steady response rates.
Responses are difficult to extinguish.
Example: Checking for a new email.

Key Features of Reinforcement Schedules:

Learning Speed:
Continuous reinforcement leads to fast learning, while intermittent schedules increase the resistance to extinction.

Persistence of Behaviour:
Behaviours reinforced with intermittent schedules, particularly variable schedules, are more resistant to extinction.

Response Patterns:
Fixed interval and fixed ratio schedules show a post-reinforcement pause, whereas variable schedules lead to a steady response rate.

Real-Life Applications:
Continuous reinforcement is used to quickly teach new behaviours.
Intermittent reinforcement (especially variable ratio) is effective for maintaining behaviours, such as in gambling or motivation-based learning tasks.