Fixed interval performance as related to instructions and to subjects’ verbalizations of the contingency

Abstract

Sixteen female Ss earned a total of 50 reinforcements on a FI 20 sec reinforcement schedule. The reinforcers used were points on a counter. The Ss were instructed that the reinforcement contingency involved either the number of responses, or an interval of time, or Ss were given no information about the schedule. The Ss’ performance was related not only to instructions, but also to Ss’ verbalizations of the reinforcement contingency. © 1967, Psychonomic Press. All rights reserved.