Synthetic variable-interval schedules of reinforcement

Area of Science:

• Behavioral psychology
• Operant conditioning

Background:

• Variable-interval schedules are fundamental in operant conditioning.
• Understanding reinforcement control over response timing is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how reinforcement frequency influences response timing under a variable-interval schedule.
• To determine if different classes of interresponse times (IRTs) are differentially controlled by reinforcement.

Main Methods:

• Three pigeons were trained on a synthetic variable-interval schedule with two components.
• Reinforcement was randomly assigned to 10 distinct classes of IRTs.
• The frequencies of reinforcement for each IRT class were systematically varied.

Main Results:

• Weak control was observed when IRT classes were short (0.1-0.6 sec).
• Stronger control emerged with longer IRT classes (1.0-6.0 sec).
• A linear relationship (slope of unity) was found between IRTs and reinforcements per opportunity.
• When all IRT classes received equal reinforcement, their frequency approximated the reciprocal of their length.

Conclusions:

• Reinforcement exerts more predictable control over longer interresponse times.
• The findings elucidate the precise relationship between reinforcement schedules and response timing in pigeons.