A response-initiated differential reinforcement of low rates schedule of reinforcement

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Ralph Thad Donaldson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Richard L. Shull

Abstract: The purpose of the present research was to study the effects of timing and motivational variables on a two-response DRL schedule. The primary question was whether or not timing behavior and the response-strengthening effects of reinforcement are confounded in DRL performance. The subjects were albino rats maintained at 80% of their free-feeding body weights, 8nd the reinforcing event was dipper presentation of a sucrose solution. A procedure was used in which two responses were required for the reinforcing event to occur. The minimum latency contingency was imposed only on the latency of the second response. When the DRL value was varied the timing interval matched the DRL requirement more closely than in one-response DRL performance. When the subjects were pre-fed prior to the sessions to decrease the severity of deprivation, the frequency of timing behavior decreased tut the accuracy of the timing intervals remained unaffected. In extinction the accuracy of timing was maintained even as the frequency of the timing behavior reached zero.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1972
Subjects
Reinforcement (Psychology)
Rats as laboratory animals

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