Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
Published on: May 14, 2019
Is matching compatible with reinforcement maximization on concurrent variable interval variable ratio?
Abstract:
Four pigeons on concurrent variable interval, variable ratio approximated the matching relationship with biases toward the variable interval when time spent responding was the measure of behavior and toward the variable ratio when frequency of pecking was the measure of behavior. The local rates of responding were consistently higher on the variable ratio, even when there was overall preference for the variable interval. Matching on concurrent variable interval, variable ratio was shown to be incompatible with maximization of total reinforcement, given the observed local rates of responding and rates of alternation between the schedules. Furthermore, it was shown that the subjects were losing reinforcements at a rate of about 60 per hour by matching rather than maximizing.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test for Matched Pairs
Sign Test for Matched Pairs
To conduct the sign test, we first calculate the differences in value between...
Multi-input and Multi-variable systems
In the absence of...
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Randomized Experiments
Simple randomization
Simple...

