The effects of terminal-link fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules on responding under concurrent chained...

Prior studies explored how reinforcement schedules influence choice behavior. Established knowledge shows that variable-interval schedules in terminal links of concurrent chained schedules lead to matching between initial link choices and terminal link reinforcement rates. However, fixed-interval schedules in terminal links did not produce matching behavior. This gap motivated further investigation into how absolute size of fixed-interval schedules affects relative choice proportions. No prior work had resolved how varying absolute sizes of fixed-interval pairs impacts choice. Researchers aimed to clarify whether matching occurs with fixed-interval schedules when their absolute sizes are manipulated. The uncertainty around fixed-interval schedule effects in concurrent arrangements drove this study. Existing literature lacked specific data on how absolute size differences in fixed-interval schedules influence choice behavior. This study sought to bridge that knowledge gap by testing fixed-interval and variable-interval terminal-link schedules under controlled conditions.

The goal was to test how absolute size differences in terminal-link fixed-interval schedules affect relative choice proportions in concurrent chained schedules. The specific problem addressed was whether matching occurs when fixed-interval schedules are held in a constant ratio but vary in absolute size. Researchers aimed to determine if relative choice in initial links matches terminal-link reinforcement rates under fixed-interval conditions. The motivation stemmed from prior findings that variable-interval schedules produced matching but fixed-interval schedules did not. This study tested if manipulating absolute sizes of fixed-interval pairs could produce matching. The hypothesis was that relative choice would increase with larger fixed-interval sizes. Researchers also compared fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules when harmonic means were equal. The purpose was to clarify how absolute size differences influence choice behavior in concurrent arrangements.

The study used concurrent chained schedules with terminal-link fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules. Pairs of fixed-interval schedules were arranged in a constant ratio but varied in absolute size. Researchers measured relative choice proportions in the initial links. Terminal-link reinforcement rates were calculated for each schedule. The harmonic mean of variable-interval intervals was matched to fixed-interval parameters. Absolute sizes of fixed-interval pairs were systematically manipulated. Choice behavior was recorded and analyzed for matching patterns. The experimental design compared fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules under controlled conditions.

Relative choice for smaller fixed-interval schedules increased with absolute size differences. Matching was observed only with the 5 and 10 sec fixed-interval pair. When fixed-interval pairs were held in a constant ratio, relative choice showed a negatively accelerated function. Variable-interval schedules with harmonic means equal to fixed-interval parameters produced similar relative choice functions. The largest fixed-interval size did not always yield the highest relative choice. Matching occurred only when the fixed-interval pair was 5 and 10 sec. Relative choice proportions did not match terminal-link reinforcement rates for most fixed-interval pairs. The results suggest that absolute size differences influence choice behavior in concurrent arrangements.

The authors proposed that matching occurs only when fixed-interval pairs are 5 and 10 sec. They suggested that relative choice proportions increase with absolute size differences in fixed-interval schedules. The findings indicate that absolute size differences influence choice behavior in concurrent arrangements. The researchers proposed that harmonic mean matching between variable-interval and fixed-interval schedules produces similar relative choice functions. They concluded that matching is not a universal outcome of fixed-interval terminal-link schedules. The study demonstrated that relative choice is a negatively accelerated function of absolute size. The authors suggested that choice behavior depends on both relative and absolute schedule parameters. Their findings highlight the importance of manipulating absolute sizes in fixed-interval schedules.