title: Interresponse time structures in variable-ratio and variable-interval schedules.
abstract: The interresponse-time structures of pigeon key pecking were examined under variable-ratio, variable-interval, and variable-interval plus linear feedback schedules. Whereas the variable-ratio and variable-interval plus linear feedback schedules generally resulted in a distinct group of short interresponse times and a broad distribution of longer interresponse times, the variable-interval schedules generally showed a much more continuous distribution of interresponse times. The results were taken to indicate that a log survivor analysis or double exponential fit of interresponse times may not be universally applicable to the task of demonstrating that operant behavior can be dichotomized into bouts of engagement and periods of disengagement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL 36265, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Bowers
authors.forename: Jade
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Palya
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D010856:Columbidae; D011930:Reaction Time; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013997:Time Factors