Aversive Properties of Time-Out From Maximal fr Schedules of Positive Reinforcement

Abstract

In one stimulus component of a multiple fixed-ratio schedule of water reinforcement, rats could produce or prevent time-out by respectively lengthening or shortening the post-reinforcement pause. In a second component, Ss could similarly initiate or avoid periods of stimulus change. The Ss consistently shortened their pauses and maintained the baseline contingencies whether time-out was equivalent to extinction or was signalled by retraction of the response lever. No positively reinforcing effects of stimulus change were observed, although some generalization from the time-out contingencies was noted.