Order effects of variability-contingent and variability-independent point delivery: Effects on operant variability and target sequence acquisition.

Previous research has shown that variability is a reinforceable dimension of operant behavior. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that learning is facilitated when variability in responding is high. In this research, variability was observed within an operant composed of any sequence of six left and right key presses. Variability was either a requirement for point delivery (VAR conditions) or points were delivered independent of variability (ANY conditions). Two groups of college undergraduates experienced different orders of conditions. One group began the experiment under VAR conditions, and the variability requirement was later removed. The other group began the experiment under ANY conditions, and the variability requirement was later added. A concurrently reinforced target sequence (i.e., an always-reinforced sequence of left and right key presses) was introduced to both groups after these orders of conditions had been experienced. A variety of outcomes resulted. Subjects learned the target sequence when variability was both high and low with non-target points concurrently available. Other subjects learned the target sequence after all non-target point deliveries had been suspended. One subject failed to acquire the target sequence at all. These results were compared to previous findings and possible explanations for the discrepancies were suggested.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2004

Author dc:creator

• Lee, Coral Em

Contributors dc:contributor

• Glenn, Sigrid S., 1939-
• Rosales Ruíz, Jesús
• Vaidya, Manish

• Reinforcement (Psychology)
• Operant behavior.
• point delivery
• variability
• order effects
• learning
• reinforcement

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Lee, Coral Em
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 55686153
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4502/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4502

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4502