Response rates and choices of schizophrenics under fixed-ratio contingencies of reinforcement

Schizophrenics (n = 12) were conditioned under different multiple fixed-ratio (mult FR FR) schedules of monetary reinforcement. The two FR components of these schedules differed in terms of ratio requirements (reinforcement frequency) or amounts of reinforcement per occurrence of reinforcement. Relatively low rates of responding were emitted by the schizophrenics under these schedules. Further, their response rates were positively correlated with the frequency and amount of FR reinforcement. In previous studies under comparable conditions, normal subjects tended to maximize reinforcement by responding at higher rates and to maintain these rates irrespective of the frequency or amount of FR reinforcement. When given the opportunity to select from among the two components of the mult FR FR schedules, the schizophrenics in the present study tended to respond like normal subjects in previous studies in that they chose to work predominantly under that FR component which provided the highest frequency or amount of reinforcement. It was concluded that schizophrenics resemble normals more and act more rationally in terms of maximizing reinforcement when reinforcement is less dependent upon rates of responding.