A fixed interval schedule in which the interval is initiated by a response

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Animal Behavior Studies
• Operant Conditioning

Background:

• Fixed interval schedules are fundamental in operant conditioning.
• Understanding response patterns is key to analyzing reinforcement schedules.
• Differentiating post-reinforcement and fixed interval pauses offers insight into behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze animal performance on a novel fixed interval schedule.
• To separately measure post-reinforcement and fixed interval pauses.
• To investigate response rates and pause durations in rats and monkeys.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-bar Skinner box with a modified fixed interval schedule.
• Trained twelve rats and three monkeys on the schedule.
• Analyzed response frequencies, rates, pause lengths, and inter-response times.

Main Results:

• Response probability (R(B)) increases across the fixed interval, with a sharp rise at the first R(B).
• Frequency distributions of R(A)-R(B) pauses showed three distinct behavioral types.
• The primary R(A)-R(B) interval length mode typically fell just under the fixed interval requirement.

Conclusions:

• The probability of a reinforced response (R(B)) escalates predictably throughout the fixed interval.
• Distinct behavioral patterns in pause durations were identified, suggesting discrete response strategies.
• The schedule effectively separated and allowed measurement of different pause components in animal responding.