Abstract
Speaking in reply functions as a reinforcer. In an experimental conversation modeled on discrete-trials instrumental conditioning, with speed as the dependent variable, Ss learned an instrumental response reinforced by the opportunity to speak in reply. When shorter delay of the opportunity to reply was made contingent upon S’s responding slowly, Ss learned to match the cutoff speed, while noncorrelated yoked controls showed an ordinary acquisition curve (N = 80, p<.025), as in conditioning studies of correlated delay of reinforcement.
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Supported in part by Grant GS 27652 from the National Science Foundation to the senior author. More details of method are in Weiss et al, 1971b.
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Weiss, R.F., Beck, C.M. & Stich, M.H. Correlated delay of reinforcement in the instrumental conditioning of conversational behavior. Psychon Sci 28, 211–212 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328713
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328713