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. 1981 Jan;35(1):55–67. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1981.35-55

An interresponse time analysis of variable-ratio punishment

Stephen D Lande
PMCID: PMC1333022  PMID: 16812200

Abstract

An interresponse time analysis was used to study the effects of variable-ratio punishment schedules on the temporal pattern of reinforced responding. Twelve pigeons responded on a baseline variable-interval schedule of food reinforcement. A variable-ratio ten schedule of electric shock punishment was then introduced. The shock intensity was systematically increased to the highest intensity at which responding could be maintained. At this intensity, the mean variable-ratio value was increased and then decreased. Variable-ratio punishment resulted in an increased relative frequency of very short unreinforced interresponse times (response bursting). Increased response bursting accounted for instances of response rate facilitation. In addition, shock was followed by interresponse times of decreasing mean length over the first several responses after shock.

Keywords: variable-ratio punishment, variable-interval reinforcement, interresponse time, response bursting, facilitation, key peck, pigeons

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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