Shifting to FI Schedules of Reinforcement

 

This experimental phase demonstrates a shift from Continuous (CRF) reinforcement in prior sessions to the application of a Fixed Interval schedule of Reinforcement based on unlimited holds and 1) an interval of 2 seconds, then 2) a session using an interval of 90 secondds. It was suggested to be a feasible schedule by Skinner's (1938) description of Fixed Interval performances, and we wanted to verify that the subjects would make such a transition without "schedule strain" induced extinction.

Method and Procedures

Subjects had prior training involving continuous (CRF) reinforcement for bar pressing. They were then exposed to 1 session of FI-2 second on an automated schedule involving unlimited hold periods providing reinforcement for the first response following each 2 second non-reinforcement interval. Following that session, a second session followed which used the same rules, except an FI 90 second interval replaced the 2 second interval of the first session.

Results
(Jump to Summary Tables/Graphs)
Individual Session Data for Each of the Three Subjects for 5 Sessions:
------------ Subject 4 ----------    ------------ Subject 5 ----------    ---------- Subject 6 ----------

   

   

   

The data collected from subject 4 are shown in Column 1 of the above graphs.

The data collected from subject 5 are shown in Column 2 of the above graphs.

The data collected from subject 6 are shown in Column 3 of the above graphs.