Constraining response output on conjunctive fixed-ratio 1 fixed-time reinforcement schedules: Effects on the...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral psychology
• Operant conditioning

Background:

• Interval schedules of reinforcement are characterized by a postreinforcement pause (PRP) followed by a period of regular responding.
• The functional independence between factors controlling response rate and the PRP is a key assumption in interval schedule research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the independence of factors determining response rate and the postreinforcement pause (PRP) on interval schedules.
• To examine how response restriction procedures affect the PRP and response rate.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments utilized response-restriction procedures (response-produced blackout, lever retraction).
• Conjunctive fixed-ratio 1-fixed-time (FR 1 FT) schedules and variable interreinforcement intervals were employed.
• Response rate and PRP duration were measured under different restriction conditions.

Main Results:

• Both response-restriction procedures significantly reduced the PRP compared to schedules without restriction.
• The blackout procedure yielded a greater PRP reduction than lever retraction.
• The PRP increased with the interreinforcement interval, but at a slower rate than in standard fixed interval schedules.

Conclusions:

• The assumption of functional independence between the PRP and terminal response rate in fixed interval schedules is questioned.
• Constraining response number variation through restriction procedures appears to reduce the PRP, challenging traditional interpretations.