Preference for fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
Abstract:
Pigeons were trained on a two-link concurrent chain schedule in which responding on either of two keys in the initial link occasionally produced a terminal link, signaled by a change in the color of that key and a darkening of the other. Further responding on the lighted key was reinforced with food according to a fixed-interval schedule. For one of the keys, this fixed interval was always 20 sec, while for the other it was held at values of 5, 14, 30, or 60 sec for several weeks. In the initial link, all pigeons responded relatively more often on the key with the shorter fixed interval than was predicted by the matching hypothesis. Responding in the initial link showed a large negative recency effect: pigeons responded less frequently on the key that provided their last reinforcement than predicted from the overall response rates.
Related Concept Videos
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
Timing and Consequences on Behavior
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Law of Effect
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...

