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Effects of alternative reinforcement on human behavior: the source does matter.
Gregory J Madden1, Michael Perone
1Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire, 54702-4004, USA. maddengj@uwec.edu
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|June 26, 2003
Summary
Periodic reinforcement, even when independent of behavior, impacts responding. Temporal contiguity between reinforcement and target behavior is crucial, influencing whether responding increases or decreases.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Operant Conditioning
Background:
- Competing theories explain reinforcement effects on behavior.
- Contiguity theory emphasizes temporal proximity, while matching theory focuses on alternative reinforcement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate competing theories on response-independent reinforcement.
- To investigate the role of temporal contiguity in reinforcement schedules.
Main Methods:
- Human subjects performed four joystick responses under variable-interval schedules.
- Response-independent point deliveries (exchangeable for money) were superimposed on baselines.
- Delivery schedules varied based on temporal contiguity with target responses.
Main Results:
- When points followed target responses, time allocated to target responding increased.
- When points were delivered randomly, target responding declined, and other behaviors increased.
- When points never followed target responses, target responding decreased further, with increased other behavior or pausing.
Conclusions:
- Temporal contiguity significantly influences the effects of response-independent reinforcement.
- Findings support the importance of the timing of reinforcement delivery in shaping behavior.