Fixed-interval performance as a function of previous temporal discrimination training

This experiment assessed whether FI performance is influenced by prior exposure to a temporal discrimination procedure. Pigeons first were exposed to a two-key free-operant psychophysical procedure for two sessions per day. Each trial lasted 60 s and reinforcement was available according to a variable-interval 60-s schedule for pecking one key (Key 1) during the first part of the interval and pecking another key (Key 2) during the second part of the interval. In the Fixed session, reinforcement availability switched from Key 1 to Key 2 after 30 s; whereas, in the Variable session, reinforcement availability switched from Key 1 to Key 2 after a variable amount of time. Following stable responding during each component, identical FI schedules were introduced in both sessions. There were no consistent differences in responding under the FI schedules, suggesting that FI patterns may not be sensitive to previous exposure to temporal discrimination training.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2001

Author dc:creator

• da Silva, Stephanie Plyler

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kennon A. Lattal.
• David W. Schaal
• Kevin T. Larkin

• Behavioral psychology
• Experimental psychology

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/803

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-1806