Ringdahl, J. E., Vollmer, T. R., Borrero, J. C., & Connell, J. E. (2001).
Fixed-time schedule effects as a function of baseline reinforcement rate.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
34, 1-15.
Using an arbitrary response, we evaluated fixed-time (FT)
schedules that were either similar or dissimilar to a baseline
(response-dependent) reinforcement schedule and extinction.
Results suggested that both FT schedules and extinction resulted
in decreased responding. However, FT schedules were more
effective in reducing response rates if the FT reinforcer rate
was dissimilar to baseline reinforcer rates. Possible reasons for
this difference were evaluated with data analysis methods
designed to identify adventitious response–reinforcer
relations.
DESCRIPTORS: _noncontingent reinforcement, fixed-time schedules,
developmental disabilities