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Related Experiment Videos

Variable-ratio schedules as variable-interval schedules with linear feedback loops.

J J McDowell, J T Wixted

    Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    |November 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary
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    This study validates using variable-interval (VI) schedules with linear feedback to model variable-ratio (VR) schedules in humans. Results show this approach accurately predicts behavior, supporting its use in behavioral science research.

    Area of Science:

    • Behavioral Psychology
    • Mathematical Psychology
    • Reinforcement Schedules

    Background:

    • Linear systems theory effectively models behavior under variable-interval (VI) schedules.
    • Extending this to variable-ratio (VR) schedules involves treating them as VI schedules with linear feedback loops.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To test the assumption that VR schedules are equivalent to VI schedules with linear feedback.
    • To validate a mathematical approach for understanding behavior under VR schedules.

    Main Methods:

    • Four human subjects performed lever pressing for monetary reinforcement under five VR and five comparable VI-plus-linear-feedback schedules.
    • Response initiation methods (instructions vs. shaping) were varied but showed no differential effects.
    • Behavioral data, including response rates and patterns, were analyzed.

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    Main Results:

    • Both VR and VI-plus-linear-feedback schedules produced similar average response rates and patterns for all subjects.
    • Human subject behavior mirrored that of avian and rodent species under VR schedules.
    • The findings support the equivalence of VR and VI-plus-linear-feedback schedules.

    Conclusions:

    • The VI-plus-linear-feedback approach is a valid and promising method for studying VR schedules.
    • Results challenge interresponse-time theories that predict different rates for interval and ratio schedules.