Schedules of reinforcement.

Abstract

D id you know that• schedules of reinforcement determine rates and patterns of responding?• ratio schedules produce higher rates of responding than interval schedules?• interval schedules do not provide the reinforcer automatically after the passage of a particular time interval?• schedule effects are related to the feedback function that characterizes each schedule of reinforcement?• some schedules of reinforcement focus on choice and provide reinforcement for two (or more) response alternatives?• the generalized matching law describes choice behavior in a wide range of situations? According to the matching law, relative rates of responding equal relative rates of reinforcement.• self-control is investigated using concurrent-chain schedules of rein forcement?• the value of a reward declines as a function of how long you have to wait for it, but individuals differ in how rapidly reward value declines, and this psychological variable predicts measures of health and success in various aspects of life?