Performance in multiple fixed-interval schedules

The performances of five pigeons were studied under a variety of multiple fixed-interval schedules in which both component duration and reinforcement rate were varied. The three series of experimental conditions were: (a) when the ratio of component durations equalled the reciprocal of the ratio of component reinforcement rates; (b) when the component durations were equal; and (c) when the ratio of component durations equalled the ratio of component reinforcement rates. Relative response rates were related to relative reinforcement rates in the same manner as in multiple variable-interval schedules, but no effect of component duration was found.