When a reinforcement is delivered according to a fixed-ratio schedule, it has been found that responding occurs in a specific temporal pattern Periods of no responding characteristically follow the delivery of the reinforcer. Once responding be- gins, it assumes a very high rate of several responses per second. The resulting performance is bivalued; responding occurs either at a high terminal rate or does not occur at all. Only under extremely low food deprivation or a high ratio requirement The present report deals with the effects of punish- ment upon such fixed-ratio performance.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nathan H. Azrin (1959) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 2 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: