What is a "schedule of reinforcement"?

Area of Science:

• Behavioral psychology
• Learning theory
• Experimental analysis of behavior

Background:

• Ambiguities in behavior theory terminology obscure research assumptions and experimental details.
• Unclear terminology impedes accurate analysis of laboratory procedures and reliable researcher communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the term "schedule of reinforcement" in behavior theory.
• To differentiate between operational rules in response-contingent and non-contingent reinforcement.
• To address related terminological ambiguities such as "reinforcement" and "intermittency."

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the term "schedule of reinforcement" within behavior theory.
• Distinguishing operational rules for response-contingent reinforcement (response identification).
• Distinguishing operational rules for non-contingent reinforcement (reinforcement delivery).

Main Results:

• The term "schedule of reinforcement" implicates two distinct operational rules.
• Response-contingent schedules identify the specific response to be reinforced.
• Non-contingent schedules dictate the delivery of reinforcement, independent of specific responses.

Conclusions:

• Resolving terminological ambiguities is crucial for advancing behavior theory.
• Clarifying "schedule of reinforcement" enhances the precision of experimental analysis.
• Future research should consider non-contingent reinforcement procedures and reinforcement probability parameters.