What is Intermittent Reinforcement (INT)?

Intermittent Reinforcement is a schedule where reinforcement is provided for some, but not all occurrences of the behavior. Maybe every 3rd time, or every 10 minutes.

When Do We Use It?

To MAINTAIN established skills. Once the child knows "Ball," we stop cheering every time. We cheer every few times. This makes the behavior strong and persistent.

Behaviors on INT schedules are very resistant to extinction. Think of a slot machine. You don't win every time, but you keep playing because you might win next time.

Types of INT Schedules

There are 4 main types for your RBT practice test, based on Ratio (Count) vs. Interval (Time), and Fixed (Set) vs. Variable (Average).

  • FR (Fixed Ratio)
  • VR (Variable Ratio)
  • FI (Fixed Interval)
  • VI (Variable Interval)

Frequently Asked Questions About INT

Why switch to Intermittent?

To prevent satiation and to make the behavior "stick" (Generalize and Maintain) in the real world.

Which is better for resistance to extinction?

Variable schedules (VR, VI) are much stronger than Fixed schedules.

What is "Thinned" reinforcement?

Going from dense (lots of reinforcement) to lean (less reinforcement). e.g., Moving from FR1 to FR5.