Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

A Simple Stimulatory Device for Evoking Point-like Tactile Stimuli: A Searchlight for LFP to Spike Transitions
Published on: March 25, 2014
The principal components of response strength
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-1104, USA. killeen@asu.edu
Abstract:
As Skinner (1938) described it, response strength is the "state of the reflex with respect to all its static properties" (p. 15), which include response rate, latency, probability, and persistence. The relations of those measures to one another was analyzed by probabilistically reinforcing, satiating, and extinguishing pigeons' key pecking in a trials paradigm. Reinforcement was scheduled according to variable-interval, variable-ratio, and fixed-interval contingencies. Principal components analysis permitted description in terms of a single latent variable, strength, and this was validated with confirmatory factor analyses. Overall response rate was an excellent predictor of this state variable.
Related Concept Videos
Dose-Response Relationship: Overview
Dose-Response Relationship: Selectivity and Specificity
Motor Unit Stimulation
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
Design Example: Frog Muscle Response
When the switch connecting the RL circuit is closed, a brief muscle contraction is observed. This is because, at a steady state, the inductor acts like a short circuit,...
Transient and Steady-state Response
These test signals are integral in designing control systems to exhibit two key performance aspects: transient response and steady-state response.
Response Surface Methodology
The process of RSM involves several key steps:

