Abstract
College students participated in three experiments on operant sequential stereotypy. In Experiment 1, subjects guided a marker through a 6 × 6 matrix by pressing two computer keys in sequence. Subjects were awarded points on seven schedules of reinforcement. Points were exchanged for money. The results showed that the level of stereotypy was greatest for behavior rewarded on a continuous reinforcement (CRF) schedule. In Experiment 2, responding was rewarded on a variable ratio (VR) 3 schedule for an extended number of trials or with a higher magnitude reward than in Experiment 1. Neither manipulation enhanced stereotypy. In Experiment 3, subjects were tested with two schedules of reinforcement as a within-subjects manipulation. Initial exposure to a CRF schedule produced a relatively high level of stereotypy that persisted through a VR 3 schedule, whereas initial exposure to a VR 3 schedule produced a relatively low level of stereotypy that increased significantly when subjects were switched to a CRF schedule. The results are discussed in the context of efficient responding.
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Lopatto, D.E., Brown, B.M. The Effects of Schedules of Reinforcement on Operant Sequential Stereotypy in Humans. Psychol Rec 44, 185–206 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395127
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395127