Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Two-interval Forced-choice Task for Multisensory Comparisons
Published on: November 9, 2018
A multivariate rate equation for variable-interval performance
Abstract:
A value-like parameter is introduced into a rate equation for describing variable-interval performance. The equation, derived solely from formal considerations, expresses rate of responding as a joint function of rate of reinforcement and "reinforcer power." Preliminary tests of the rate equation show that it handles univariate data as well as Herrnstein's hyperbola. In addition, a form of Herrnstein's hyperbola can be derived from the equation, and it predicts forms of matching in concurrent situations. For the multivariate case, reinforcer values scaled in concurrent situations where matching is assumed to hold are taken as determinations of reinforcer power. The multivariate rate equation is fitted to an appropriate set of data and found to provide a good description of variable-interval performance when both rate and power of reinforcement are varied. Rate and power measures completely describe reinforcement. The effects of their joint variation are not predicted and cannot be described by Herrnstein's equation.
Related Concept Videos
The Integrated Rate Law: The Dependence of Concentration on Time
Multiple Regression
Farmers can use multiple regression to determine the crop yield based on more than one factor, such as water availability, fertilizer, soil properties, etc. Here, the crop yield is the response or dependent variable as it depends on the other independent variables. The analysis requires the construction of a scatter plot...
Hazard Rate
Two-Compartment Open Model: Extravascular Administration
The absorption exponent (ka) indicates the speed at which the drug is...
Prediction Intervals
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
The...
Column Efficiency: Rate Theory
During elution, a solute molecule experiences numerous transitions between stationary and mobile phases, exhibiting irregular residence times in...

