Abstract
The peak-time procedure was used with pigeons to explore assumptions of two models of time perception: scalar expectancy theory (SET) and behavioral theory of timing (BeT). Conditions 1A and 1B varied fixed-interval duration to change rate of reinforcement. Condition 2 varied hopper duration in order to manipulate arousal level. Condition 3 held constant the interval to be timed (fixed-interval duration) but varied rate of reinforcement by interspersing trials in which only the chamber light came on for a duration equal to the fixed interval. Results from Conditions 1A, 1B, and 3 show that the speed of the pacemaker (1/τ) was directly proportional to the rate of reinforcement, thus supporting BeT. Manipulations of the hopper duration had no effect on the timing process.
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This research was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant ROI MH43233 to Peter Killeen. We thank J. G. Fetterman for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.
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MacEwen, D., Killeen, P. The effects of rate and amount of reinforcement on the speed of the pacemaker in pigeons’ timing behavior. Animal Learning & Behavior 19, 164–170 (1991). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197872
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197872