scholarly journals Fixed-interval and fixed-ratio reinforcement schedules with human subjects

1988 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence T. Stoddard ◽  
Murray Sidman ◽  
Joseph V. Brady
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Fixed Ratio ◽  
Fixed Interval ◽  
Reinforcement Schedules ◽  
Fixed Ratio Reinforcement

Maximizing versus Matching in People versus Pigeons

1982 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 267-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Mawhinney
Keyword(s):  
Choice Behavior ◽  
Fixed Ratio ◽  
Variable Interval ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Concurrent Schedules ◽  
Reinforcement Schedules ◽  
Behavioral Choice ◽  
Human Choice ◽  
Alternative Schedule ◽  
Fixed Ratio Reinforcement

A single subject allocated behavior to several concurrent variable interval/fixed ratio reinforcement schedules and a series of fixed ratio schedules with no other alternative schedule present. The allocation of behavior to the real choices (concurrent schedules) and no choice (fixed ratio only) schedule situations conformed to those predicted by formal equations for maximization of reinforcements in each situation. The results suggest that, while matching may be a fundamental rule of behavioral choice in animals and people, there exist identifiable limitations to its applicability to human choice behavior. Humans with some training in economic income maximization are likely to maximize rather than match in concurrent choice situations.

Behavioral Effects of Microwave Reinforcement Schedules and Variations in Microwave Intensity on Albino Rats

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 787-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. Vitulli ◽  
J. Ken Lambert ◽  
Stella W. Brown ◽  
Joseph M. Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Microwave Radiation ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Fixed Ratio ◽  
Behavioral Effects ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Ratio Schedule ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Reinforcement Schedules ◽  
Continuous Reinforcement ◽  
Exploratory Investigation

The objective of this exploratory investigation was to determine the interactive effects of fixed-ratio scheduling of microwave reinforcement in tandem with changes in microwave intensity. Nine albino rats were conditioned to regulate their thermal environment with microwave radiation while living in a Skinner (operant conditioning) Box in which the ambient temperature was about 27.13°F at the beginning of the session. Each rat obtained a 6-sec. exposure of microwave radiation on a fixed-ratio schedule of MW reinforcement, the values of which varied from FR-1 to FR-30. Intensities of MW radiation were 62.5 W, 125 W, 250 W, and 437.5 W. Sessions lasted for 8 to 9 hr. over an approximate 13-mo. period. The effects of the intensity of microwave reinforcement varied as a function of the ratio value of the schedule used. Continuous reinforcement (FR-1) produced the lowest over-all rates, whereas FR-15, and FR-25 produced the highest over-all rates. Relatively higher thermal-behavior rates occurred under 62.5 W than under any of the other MW intensities for FR-1, FR-15, and FR-25, whereas FR-10 and FR-30 ratios produced intermediate rates of thermal responding which were constant for all values of MW intensity. These data are explained in terms of interactive effects between the “local” satiation or deprivation properties of the MW intensity and the ratio requirements of the schedule of MW reinforcement.

Operant Conditioning of Virginia Opossum

1970 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Cone ◽  
Donna M. Cone
Keyword(s):  
Operant Conditioning ◽  
Lever Press ◽  
Fixed Ratio ◽  
Fixed Interval ◽  
Response Style ◽  
Water Reinforcement ◽  
Deprivation Schedule ◽  
Limited Hold ◽  
Virginia Opossum

Laboratory-raised Virginia opossum have been found to readily acquire a lever-press response for water reinforcement. Fixed ratio behavior is comparable to that observed in other species. Fixed interval behavior, however, tends to move fairly rapidly toward an economical response style in which very few responses are emitted per reinforcement. Neither introduction of limited hold procedures nor lengthening of the deprivation schedule had any effect upon the FI responding.

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