A tuned-trace theory of interval-timing dynamics.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Animals on interval schedules of reinforcement can rapidly adjust a temporal dependent variable, such as wait time, to changes in the prevailing interreinforcement interval. We describe data on the effects of impulse, step, sine-cyclic, and variable-interval schedules and show that they can be explained by a tuned-trace timing model with a one-back threshold-setting rule. The model can also explain steady-state timing properties such as proportional and Weber law timing and the effects of reinforcement magnitude. The model assumes that food reinforcers and other time markers have a decaying effect (trace) with properties that can be derived from the rate-sensitive property of habituation (the multiple-time-scale model). In timing experiments, response threshold is determined by the trace value at the time of the most recent reinforcement. The model provides a partial account for the learning of multiple intervals, but does not account for scalloping and other postpause features of responding on interval schedules and has some problems with square-wave schedules.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Staddon, JER; Chelaru, IM; Higa, JJ
Published Date
- January 2002
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 77 / 1
Start / End Page
- 105 - 124
PubMed ID
- 11859841
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC1284850
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1938-3711
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0022-5002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1901/jeab.2002.77-105
Language
- eng