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Operant schedule transformations and human behavioral momentum

J J Plaud1, G A Gaither, J B Lawrence

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202-8380, USA. plaud@badlands.nodak.edu

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|November 5, 1997
PubMed
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Behavioral momentum, the persistence of behavior, was studied in humans. Results show that biased responding continues even when reinforcement schedules change, supporting behavioral momentum theory.

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Operant conditioning
  • Behavioral momentum theory

Background:

  • Behavioral momentum explains behavior persistence under changing conditions.
  • It has applications in behavior therapy and relapse prevention.
  • Understanding momentum is key for effective behavior modification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how changes in operant schedule contingencies affect human responses.
  • To examine the role of reinforcement density in behavioral momentum.
  • To assess response persistence when reinforcement contingencies are altered.

Main Methods:

  • Fifteen subjects participated in a computer-based study.
  • A baseline condition involved two keys with equal variable interval schedules, differing only in reinforcer size (10x difference).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Contingency schedules were then changed to extinction, variable time, or altered variable interval schedules.

    • Main Results:

    • Subjects demonstrated biased responding towards the key with denser reinforcement.
    • This biased responding persisted even after the reinforcement contingencies were systematically changed.
    • Results align with predictions of behavioral momentum theory.

    Conclusions:

    • Behavioral momentum is a valid concept in human operant behavior.
    • The findings support the application of behavioral momentum in behavior modification programs.
    • This research has implications for designing effective behavior change strategies and relapse prevention.