Scalloped patterns of responding are typically associated with which schedule of reinforcement?

Scalloped patterns of responding are characteristically seen in situations involving fixed interval schedules of reinforcement. In this type of schedule, reinforcement is delivered after a set amount of time has passed, provided that the behavior has occurred. As the time for reinforcement approaches, individuals tend to increase their rate of response in anticipation of the reward, leading to a gradual rise in the frequency of behavior that forms the scalloped shape on a graph.

This pattern reflects the individual's learning that they need to wait for a specific time period before they can receive reinforcement, and it shows a distinct increase in action as the interval elapses. Once reinforcement is received, there tends to be a decline in responding until the next interval is approached. Understanding this pattern is crucial for implementing effective behavior modification strategies in applied settings, such as education or therapy for individuals with autism.