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FORCE AND RATE RELATIONS IN RESPONDING DURING VARIABLE‐INTERVAL REINFORCEMENT 1
Author(s) -
Mintz Donald E.,
Samuels Richard M.,
Barber Ned G.
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.1976.26-387
Subject(s) - reinforcement , interval (graph theory) , mathematics , statistics , control theory (sociology) , psychology , computer science , social psychology , artificial intelligence , combinatorics , control (management)
Four rats responded on one‐minute variable‐interval schedules with several variations in peak‐force of response required for food reinforcement. Measures of peak force and rate were taken for the responses, which were the downward exertions of force against a static force‐transducing operandum. The analysis distinguished responses, a generic class of measured behavior, from criterion responses, an operationally specified subclass required for reinforcement. Absolute rate of response showed no systematic change, but the rate of responses meeting a newly required criterion of peak‐force invariably increased through changes in the absolute rate of response, the relative‐frequency distributions of peak force, or some combination of both. The relative frequency of responses meeting an elevated force criterion during variable‐interval reinforcement exceeded that maintained with the same criterion with continuous reinforcement. The requirement of more effortful responding for reinforcement does not necessarily reduce response rate. Conformity of the behavior to the requirement for reinforcement is the salient effect.