5. Fixed Interval Limited Hold Schedules

Description: The first response after a fixed interval of time is reinforced, providing the response occurs within a set period at the end of the interval.

Produces similar results to fixed ratio schedules

• A high steady rate until reinforced
• A post-reinforcement pause
• Strain with large increases in the interval
• Moderate RTE

Examples in natural environments

• Baking a cake. The time required to bake a cake is usually fixed, but if you wait too long beyond that time, the cake will burn. There is only a limited window beyond the time required in which to take out the cake.
• Waiting for a bus. Buses are supposed to arrive at stops at fixed intervals, and the passenger will miss the bus if they are not there at the time the bus arrives.

Examples in video games

• Waiting for a monster to re-spawn on a crowded server. If monsters re-spawn at regular intervals the player must wait for a fixed period of time to kill the monster. However, if they are not there at the time the monster re-spawns, the monster is likely to be killed by another player.
• Obtaining objects, treasures, or power-ups that only appear for a limited time at fixed intervals.