Simultaneous timing of multiple intervals: implications of the scalar property

Abstract

Three experiments with pigeons are reported in which the scalar property in simultaneous timing tasks was studied. According to scalar expectancy theory, the scalar property should be maintained in simultaneous timing, but the behavioral theory of timing predicts that the scalar property should be evident only in independent timing. Experiment 1 showed that the appearance of distinct peaks at reinforcement times required about a 4:1 ratio between intervals. Experiment 2 (2-interval timing task) and Experiment 3 (3-interval timing task) used an individual trial analysis technique to examine high-rate responding segments bracketing the times of reinforcement. The standard deviations of the starting and stopping times of high-rate segments were linearly related to their means and to reinforcement time, supporting the scalar property in simultaneous timing.