Scalloped Pattern Research Articles

The effect of multiple S-delta periods on responding on a fixed-interval schedule: 3. Effect of changes in pattern of interruptions, parameters and stimuli.

Pigeons responding under fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement were interrupted by S(Delta) periods during the course of the intervals. Whether intervals were interrupted by 1, 2, or 5 S(Delta) periods, the general scalloped pattern of FI responding persisted. Parameter values up to 27(3/4) hr for the FI and 2(3/4) hr for the individual S(Delta) interruptions were studied. The results further weaken the hypothesis that the FI pattern of responding depends crucially on control of responding by continuously chained mediating behavior.

THE EFFECT OF MULTIPLE S-DELTA PERIODS ON RESPONDING ON A FIXED-INTERVAL SCHEDULE. II. IN A PRIMATE.

A squirrel monkey was subjected to a fixed-interval pattern of reinforcement. During the course of each interval a bright white light was repeatedly presented. In the presence of the white light, a response was never immediately followed by food; the white light thus functioned as S(Delta). Responding was interrupted during the S(Delta) periods, but in the squirrel monkey as in the pigeon, these interruptions did not destroy the characteristic scalloped pattern of the cumulatively recorded responding through each interval.

The effect of multiple S delta periods on responding on a fixed-interval schedule.

The effect of repeated interruption of FI responding by short S(Delta) presentations on the pattern of increasing frequency of responding through the interval has been studied. Although the S(Delta) profoundly changed the pattern of responding during their presentation, the general scalloped pattern of FI responding survived. The implication of these findings for understanding the role of chaining of responses in FI patterns is discussed. It is suggested that chaining is not a necessary condition for the scalloped pattern.