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FIXED‐RATIO DISCRIMINATION: EFFECTS OF RESPONSE‐PRODUCED BLACKOUTS 1
Author(s) -
Lydersen Tore,
Crossman E. K.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of the experimental analysis of behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.75
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1938-3711
pISSN - 0022-5002
DOI - 10.1901/jeab.1974.22-547
Subject(s) - computer science , psychology
For three pigeons, reinforcement depended upon a left side‐key response after execution of a fixed ratio 10 on the center key, and upon a right side‐key response after fixed ratio 20. Each response during the fixed ratios produced a 0.5‐sec blackout. The time between the first and last response in fixed ratio 10 was then equated with the time between the first and last response in fixed ratio 20 by increasing the blackout duration. The accuracy of side‐key choice was disrupted, thereby suggesting that time, rather than number of responses, controlled choice responding. When the time between the first and last response was equated during both ratios, asymptotic accuracy was approximately equal to (two birds) or somewhat higher than (one bird) that obtained previously. The results of probes with intermediate fixed ratios and blackouts suggested that control of side‐key choice had transferred from the time between the first and last response in ratios to blackout duration.