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Related Experiment Videos

Effects of fixed and variable ratios on human behavioral variability

T A Tatham1, B A Wanchisen, P N Hineline

  • 1Temple University.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|March 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Behavioral variability in college students increased with larger ratio sizes under both fixed- and variable-ratio schedules of reinforcement. This finding highlights the role of ratio size in operant behavior and suggests similarities between human and nonhuman learning determinants.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Operant Conditioning
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Ratio schedules of reinforcement are fundamental in operant conditioning.
  • Understanding response variability is crucial for analyzing behavior.
  • Previous research has explored reinforcement schedules in various populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how ratio schedules of reinforcement affect response variability in college students.
  • To compare the effects of fixed-ratio and variable-ratio schedules on behavioral variability.
  • To examine the influence of ratio size on response variability.

Main Methods:

  • College students participated in a task involving two push buttons.
  • Reinforcement was delivered based on sequences of button presses under fixed- and variable-ratio schedules.

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  • Ratio requirements of 1, 2, 4, and 8 were systematically manipulated.
  • Behavioral variability was measured across different schedule components.

    • Main Results:

    • Response variability increased as the ratio size increased, regardless of whether the schedule was fixed or variable.
    • Variable-ratio schedules produced comparable variability to fixed-ratio schedules at similar ratio sizes.
    • The study identified a direct relationship between ratio size and behavioral variability.

    Conclusions:

    • Ratio size is a significant determinant of response variability in operant behavior.
    • The factors influencing variability in human operant behavior are similar to those in nonhuman animals.
    • These findings contribute to a broader understanding of reinforcement principles and behavioral control.