Abstract
The rate of pecking under the variable-interval component of a multiple variable-interval extinction schedule was investigated as a function of whether the components were changed after reinforcement or were changed on the basis of elapsed time. Behavioral contrast—an increase in the response rate during the unchanged variable-interval component—was observed when the components were changed on the basis of time, but not when the components were changed after reinforcement. These results support the hypothesis that behavioral contrast is primarily a result of selective reinforcement of short interresponse times.
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The experiment reported in this article was conducted prior to C. B. Ferster’s death in February 1981. This research was funded in part by National Science Foundation Grant BNS-8309045 to The American University.
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Peele, D.B., Ferster, C.B. Failure to obtain behavioral contrast when components change after reinforcement. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 27, 277–279 (1989). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03334606
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03334606