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Human performance on random interval schedules.

Phil Reed1, Demelza Smale1, Dimitra Owens1

  • 1Department of Psychology.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Animal Learning and Cognition
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human behavior on random interval schedules involves two response types: bout-initiation and within-bout. Factors like interval value and response cost influence these distinct patterns, impacting reinforcement schedules.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Operant conditioning

Background:

  • Human operant behavior is often studied using schedules of reinforcement.
  • Random interval (RI) schedules present unique response patterns that require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors controlling human responding under random interval (RI) schedules.
  • To differentiate the control mechanisms for "bout-initiation" and "within-bout" responding.

Main Methods:

  • Four experiments were conducted using human participants.
  • Varied interval values (RI-30s, RI-60s, RI-120s), schedule types (random ratio - RR, RI with linear feedback - RI+), and response costs were manipulated.
  • Response patterns were categorized into bout-initiation and within-bout responding.

Main Results:

  • Responding rates were higher on RI-30s compared to RI-60s or RI-120s, primarily affecting bout-initiation responding.
  • Overall response rates were similar for RR and RI+ schedules, both exceeding RI schedules.
  • Bout-initiation rates were consistent across schedules, while within-bout responding varied.
  • Introducing a low response cost increased bout-initiation responding but not within-bout rates.

Conclusions:

  • Bout-initiation responding appears sensitive to contextual conditioning factors.
  • Within-bout responding is less influenced by these contextual factors.
  • The findings differentiate the control of two distinct response components under RI schedules.