A tuned-trace theory of interval-timing dynamics.
Animals on interval schedules of reinforcement can rapidly adjust a temporal dependent variable, such as wait time, to changes in the prevailing interreinforcement interval. We describe data on the effects of impulse, step, sine-cyclic, and variable-interval schedules and show that they can be explained by a tuned-trace timing model with a one-back threshold-setting rule. The model can also explain steady-state timing properties such as proportional and Weber law timing and the effects of reinforcement magnitude. The model assumes that food reinforcers and other time markers have a decaying effect (trace) with properties that can be derived from the rate-sensitive property of habituation (the multiple-time-scale model). In timing experiments, response threshold is determined by the trace value at the time of the most recent reinforcement. The model provides a partial account for the learning of multiple intervals, but does not account for scalloping and other postpause features of responding on interval schedules and has some problems with square-wave schedules.
Staddon
J E R
JE
Department of Psychology and Brain Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA. Staddon@psych.duke.edu
Chelaru
I M
IM
Higa
J J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D011939:Mental Recall; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009042:Motivation; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013998:Time Perception