MODIFICATION OF OBSERVING BEHAVIOR1

Abstract

The effects on monitoring performance of a limited hold (LH) terminated by a bell or by electric shock and of periodic rest periods were investigated. The sensitivity of basal skin conductance to different monitoring conditions was also studied. Humans monitored a visual display in several 2-hr sessions under the Holland procedure. In each session, signals were programmed by one of the following three multiple schedules: a variable interval of 6 min (VI 6) and a VI 6 with a limited hold (LH) terminated by a bell; a VI 6 and a VI 6 LH terminated by electric shock; a VI 6 LH terminated by shock and a time-out (TO). The two components of each schedule alternated at 15-min intervals. The average observing response rate of eight subjects was lowest during the VI 6 periods, higher in periods when the LH was terminated by a bell, and highest when the LH was terminated by shock. Periodic TO periods did not appreciably increase the response rate under the VI 6 LH shock component. A differential level of palmar skin conductance under the two components of a schedule was present only under the mult VI 6 LH shock-TO.