A response-initiated fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement

Abstract

On a tandem fixed-ratio one fixed-interval schedule, the first response after reinforcement initiates a fixed interval of time and the first response after the interval has elapsed is reinforced. Pigeons trained with that schedule of food reinforcement paused after reinforcement for a period of time that approximated the fixed-interval duration for values of that duration ranging from 3.75 to 60 sec. Cumulative records revealed response patterns best described as break-and-run.