Abstract
Human sensitivity to temporal parameters of fixed-interval and fixed-time schedules was examined using traditional operant procedures employing food reinforcers. Subjects exhibited one of three forms of behavior: (a) high, constant rates of responding which followed short postreinforcement pauses and were insensitive to variation in the parameters of both types of schedules; (b) low rates of responding generated by few responses and a lengthy postreinforcement pause; and (c) gradually accelerating rates of responding following a moderate postreinforcement pause, i.e., a “scalloped” pattern of responding. Responding of the final variety was found to be highly sensitive to the differences in schedule type. The adaptive characteristics of each type of responding and suggestions for the reliable production of fixed-interval performance resembling that of animal subjects are also discussed.
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Buskist, W.F., Miller, H.L. & Bennett, R.H. Fixed-Interval Performance in Humans: Sensitivity To Temporal Parameters When Food is The Reinforcer. Psychol Rec 30, 111–121 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394659
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394659