comp schedules

Complex Schedules of Reinforcement

Investigates the layout of the compound schedules of reinforcement and their various forms, focusing on how they operate and are structured.

Compound Schedule

  • Definition: A compound schedule consists of a combination of two or more basic or differential reinforcement schedules. This allows for intricate patterns of reinforcement that influence behavior over time.

Concurrent Schedule

  • Definition: Two or more schedules operate simultaneously but independently for different responses.
  • Example:
    • CONC FR1 VR3 (Concurrent Fixed Ratio 1 and Variable Ratio 3).

Matching Law/Choice Making

  • Definition: The matching law states that the distribution of responding is proportional to the relative rate of reinforcement for each response.
  • Conceptual Insight:
    • Behavior is allocated based on the flow of reinforcement, resulting in a tendency to respond towards the option providing the highest rate of reinforcement.

Mixed Vs. Multiple Schedule

  • Mixed Schedule:

    • Definition: Two or more basic schedules of reinforcement in an alternating, usually random sequence for one or more behaviors.
    • Characteristics:
      • Not signaled (does not involve a discriminative stimulus, SD).
    • Example:
      • MIX FR10/FI1m (Mixed Fixed Ratio 10 and Fixed Interval 1 minute).

  • Multiple Schedule:

    • Definition: Similar to mixed schedule but includes a discriminative stimulus present for each schedule component.
    • Characteristics:
      • Is signaled (each schedule component has an SD).
    • Example:
      • MULT VR2/FR6 (Multiple Variable Ratio 2 and Fixed Ratio 6).

Behavioral Contrast

  • Definition: Refers to changes in behavior (responses) occurring in one context that may produce the opposite effect on behavior in another context.

Alternative vs. Conjunctive Schedules

Explores how alternative and conjunctive schedules function in the realm of reinforcement.

Alternative Schedule

  • Definition: Two or more basic schedules of reinforcement operate simultaneously, allowing reinforcement to be earned when one of the schedule components is met.
    • Characteristics:
      • Concept of "either/or".
    • Example:
      • ALT FR5/VR10 (Alternative Fixed Ratio 5 or Variable Ratio 10).

Conjunctive Schedule

  • Definition: Two or more basic schedules of reinforcement operate simultaneously, requiring that reinforcement is earned when both of the schedule components are satisfied.
    • Characteristics:
      • Concept of "and/both".
    • Example:
      • CONJ FR5/VR10 (Conjunctive Fixed Ratio 5 and Variable Ratio 10).

Summary of Compound Schedules

  • Table of Compound Schedules:
    | Schedule | Number of Behaviors Involved | Is it Signaled? | Choice/Matching Law |
    |------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|---------------------|
    | Concurrent | 2+ | Possibly | Either/or |
    | Mixed | 1 or more | No | N/A |
    | Multiple | 1 or more | Yes | N/A |
    | Chained | 1 or more | Yes | N/A |
    | Tandem | 1 or more | No | N/A |
    | Alternative | 1 | Possibly | Either/or |
    | Conjunctive | 1 | Possibly | And/both |