Schuster (1959) and Keehn (1963), working with complex schedules of reinforcement, suggested that post-reinforcement pause (PRP) length was a function of the ratio requirements of the schedules' components. More specifically, Schuster indicated that a contrast effect may be the result of changes in schedule components from higher to lower requirements, or vice-versa. The present study attempted to determine the relationship between PRP length and response rate, and component requirements of a multiple fixed ratio schedule. Schedule interactions were examined when behavior was maintained at a given pair of schedules for a prolonged time, and when both schedules were studied at various values.In general, the results of the present study lend support to the position that component requirements of a multiple FR schedule do not interact, as demonstrated by the PRP, to cause a contrast effect to emerge. This study also indicates that an inverse relationship appears to exist between response rate and FR ratio size.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182289 |
| Date | January 1980 |
| Creators | Sergio, Joseph P. |
| Contributors | Meuiner, Gary F. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | iii, 20 [i.e. 22] leaves : graphs ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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