Fixed‐time Schedule Effects as a Function of Baseline Reinforcement Rate

Abstract

Using an arbitrary response, we evaluated fixed-time (FT) schedules that were either similar or dissimilar to a baseline (response-dependent) reinforcement schedule and extinction. Results suggested that both FT schedules and extinction resulted in decreased responding. However, FT schedules were more effective in reducing response rates if the FT reinforcer rate was dissimilar to baseline reinforcer rates. Possible reasons for this difference were evaluated with data analysis methods designed to identify adventitious response-reinforcer relations.DESCRIPTORS: noncontingent reinforcement, fixed-time schedules, developmental disabilities A time-based schedule is defined as a schedule during which the reinforcer is delivered response independently on either a periodical (fixed-time, FT) or an aperiodical (variable-time, VT) schedule (Marr & Zeiler, 1974). Because time-based schedules disrupt response-reinforcer relations, the effects can be similar to extinction (Catania, 1969). That is, reinforcement depends on a contingency, and when FT or VT is implemented following a reinforcement baseline, a previously existing contingency is disrupted. However, procedurally, time-based schedules This study was conducted as part of the first author's dissertation at Louisiana State University. The research was conducted during an internship at Children's Seashore House in Philadelphia. We thank Carrie Wright and Christina Vorndran for their assistance with data collection.Address correspondence to Joel E. Ringdahl, University Hospital School, 100 Hawkins Dr. Room 349, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011 (E-mail: joel-ringdahl@ uiowa.edu).are distinguished from extinction in that the reinforcer is not withheld.Further analysis of time-based schedules is needed for at least two reasons. First, factors responsible for the relation between timebased schedules and response reduction have not been clearly identified. For example, some laboratory research has shown that extinction is more effective than time-based schedules in reducing response rates (e.g., Lattal, 1972;Rescorla & Skucy, 1969). Conversely, there is evidence that under some circumstances FT schedules reduce response rates more effectively than extinction . In a study with nonhumans, Rescorla and Skucy found both VT and extinction resulted in decreased response rates, but extinction resulted in more immediate and larger decreases in behavior. Similarly, Lattal showed that FT and VT schedules following fixed-interval (FI) and variable-interval (VI) reinforcement sched-

A Comparison of Dense‐to‐lean and Fixed Lean Schedules of Alternative Reinforcement and Extinction

“…It is not known whether the treatment goal could have been achieved under the DTL condition without additional treatment components that might have rendered the intervention more labor intensive or restrictive (e.g., Fisher et al, 2000;Hagopian et al, 1998). The potential effects of a prolonged schedule-thinning process are not known, but could conceivably include nontherapeutic effects, such as adventitious reinforcement of problem behavior (Ringdahl, Vollmer, Borrero, & Connell, 2001;Vollmer et al, 1997).…”

An Example of Discovery Research Involving the Transfer of Stimulus Control

“…However, once they had experienced a history of reinforcement under the MULT + rules conditions, the schedule of reinforcement continued to control responding in the absence of the schedule-correlated stimuli (i.e., when the MIX condition was reinstated). Future research should continue to determine the conditions under which different histories enhance or compromise the influence of prevailing contingencies (see also Ringdahl, Vollmer, Borrero, & Connell, 2001). …”

Evidence-Based Treatment of Behavioral Excesses and Deficits for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…3. Noncontingent reinforcement must be presented more frequently than the baseline schedule of reinforcement (Ringdahl et al 2001;Kahng et al 2000a, b). 4.…”