What is a key feature of the chained schedule in operant conditioning?

A key feature of the chained schedule in operant conditioning is that completing responses leads to reinforcing behaviors. In a chained schedule, multiple behaviors are required, and each step in the chain must be completed before moving on to the next step. As an individual completes each behavior, it not only allows progression through the chain but also typically leads to a reinforcing event at the conclusion of the entire chain. This reinforcement serves to strengthen the entire sequence of behaviors, making the chained schedule an effective method for teaching more complex tasks where each part depends on the successful completion of the previous one.

Other responses do not accurately capture the essence of a chained schedule. Independent behaviors with no interaction miss the interactive nature of the tasks within a chain. Similarly, the idea that all actions lead to the same outcome does not apply, as each behavior contributes uniquely to the final reinforcement. Lastly, suggesting that behaviors are modified without reinforcements contradicts the principle of operant conditioning, where reinforcements are pivotal in shaping behaviors.