Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
09:12

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats

Published on: March 17, 2019

Performance of children under a multiple random-ratio random-interval schedule of reinforcement

G A Baxter, H Schlinger

    Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    |November 1, 1990
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children consistently responded more to random-ratio schedules than random-interval schedules, even when reinforcement was less frequent. This demonstrates sensitivity to different reinforcement schedules in young children.

    Area of Science:

    • Behavioral Psychology
    • Child Development
    • Operant Conditioning

    Background:

    • Operant conditioning principles are fundamental to understanding behavior modification.
    • Reinforcement schedules significantly influence response rates and patterns.
    • Limited research exists on schedule sensitivity in young children using complex schedules.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate schedule sensitivity in young children using a two-component multiple schedule.
    • To compare response rates under random-ratio versus random-interval schedules of reinforcement.
    • To determine if children exhibit similar schedule sensitivity as observed in avian subjects.

    Main Methods:

    • Three children (1.5, 2.5, 4.5 years) participated.
    • A two-component multiple random-ratio (RR) random-interval (RI) schedule was employed.
    • Response rates on telegraph keys were recorded under varying schedule conditions.

    Main Results:

    • Higher response rates were consistently observed under the random-ratio component.
    • This occurred despite higher rates of reinforcement typically available in the random-interval component.
    • Response patterns persisted even when reinforcement rates were equalized between components.

    Conclusions:

    • Young children demonstrate significant schedule sensitivity, favoring ratio over interval schedules.
    • Findings align with previous research in avian subjects, suggesting conserved behavioral principles.
    • The observed response-rate differences provide robust evidence for schedule sensitivity in children.

    More Related Videos

    Progressive-ratio Responding for Palatable High-fat and High-sugar Food in Mice11:16

    Progressive-ratio Responding for Palatable High-fat and High-sugar Food in Mice

    Published on: May 3, 2012

    Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses14:05

    Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses

    Published on: January 23, 2017

    Related Concept Videos

    Reinforcement Schedules01:24

    Reinforcement Schedules

    Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
    Once a behavior is learned,...
    Timing and Consequences on Behavior01:08

    Timing and Consequences on Behavior

    In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective. 
    Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
    Primary and Secondary Reinforcers01:23

    Primary and Secondary Reinforcers

    In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
    Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
    Operant Conditioning01:21

    Operant Conditioning

    Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
    Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
    Law of Effect01:06

    Law of Effect

    B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
    Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
    Behaviorism01:28

    Behaviorism

    The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
    The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...