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CLOCK CONTROL OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE ON AVOIDANCE AND FIXED‐INTERVAL SCHEDULES 1
Author(s) -
Baron Alan,
Galizio Mark
Publication year - 1976
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.1976.26-165
Subject(s) - reinforcement , interval (graph theory) , offset (computer science) , schedule , computer science , avoidance learning , real time computing , psychology , simulation , audiology , mathematics , social psychology , neuroscience , medicine , combinatorics , programming language , operating system
The avoidance and fixed‐interval performances of human subjects were studied in two experiments. Addition of time‐correlated stimuli (added clock) improved behavioral efficiency, since response rates decreased without decreases in reinforcement rates. Response‐dependent display of the clock maintained a second, observing response and reductions in clock duration weakened such observing behavior. Generally, the reinforcing properties of the clock were more apparent with the avoidance than with the fixed‐interval schedule, a finding attributed to temporal cues already provided by delivery of the fixed‐interval reinforcers. Reduced rates of the main response when the clock was dependent on an observing response were more than offset by rates of the observing response in the majority of subjects. Thus, the results do not support an interpretation of the reinforcing properties of added clocks simply in terms of work reduction.