Perseveration in Concurrent Performances by the Developmentally Retarded

Abstract

Perseveration in choice behavior of retardates was defined as failure to match absolute and relative response rates to changes in relative reinforcement rates with concurrent schedules of reinforcement. 4 experiments showed that concurrent performances of retardates varied systematically as a function of type of schedule, schedule value, duration, and symmetry of changeover delays. Relative but not absolute response rates were proportional to relative reinforcement rates with long changeover delays. Increasing the changeover delay punished changeovers and reduced total reinforcement rates. Contrary to prediction, asymmetrical changeover delays disrupted rather than improved matching. The retardate’s response is similar to that of Weiner’s “one-behavior organism” even in concurrent situations by persisting in maladaptive response patterns until net gains or losses of reinforcement are made contingent upon changes in response patterns.