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The effect of timeout on performance on a variable-interval schedule of electric-shock presentation
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|May 1, 1975
Summary
A shock-free period after electric shock presentation is crucial for maintaining responding in squirrel monkeys. Reducing or eliminating this timeout decreases or stops the response behavior.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Animal behavior studies
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Operant conditioning principles
- Punishment and reinforcement schedules
- Behavioral maintenance mechanisms
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of timeout periods in maintaining behavior under shock-punishment schedules.
- To determine the impact of timeout duration on response rates in squirrel monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Squirrel monkeys were exposed to variable-interval schedules of electric shock.
- A timeout period followed each response-dependent shock.
- Timeout duration was systematically varied, including elimination.
Main Results:
- Responding was maintained when a timeout followed each shock.
- Decreasing timeout duration led to decreased response rates.
- Eliminating the timeout resulted in the cessation of responding.
Conclusions:
- A post-shock timeout is a necessary condition for maintaining responding under specific schedules.
- Behavioral maintenance is influenced by the temporal arrangement of aversive stimuli and subsequent relief periods.
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