This document discusses different types of schedules of reinforcement used in human learning experiments, including multiple schedules, mixed schedules, chained schedules, concurrent schedules, and cooperative schedules. Multiple schedules alternate between two simple schedules signaled by different stimuli. Mixed schedules are similar but lack distinct stimuli. Chained schedules deliver reinforcement upon completion of a series of component schedules. Concurrent schedules make two or more schedules available simultaneously. Cooperative schedules require coordinated responses from two organisms to receive reinforcement.

1. Human Learning
Topic 5: Part 2.3 Schedules of Reinforcement
CEDP 324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 1 3/30/2012

2. Complex schedules
 Multiple schedules
 Two ore more simple schedules, each associated with a stimulus
 Red light = VI10 green light = FI5
 Two schedules alternate on the same key
 Mixed schedules
 Same as above – but no SD.
CEDP 324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 2 3/30/2012

3. Chained Schedules
 Sr is delivered on the completion of the last in a series of schedules
 Red disk (FR 10) changes after the 10th response, to yellow disk (FI 15) after
the response it changes again to green on a VR 20. The last peck is then
reinforced.
FR10 FI 15 VR 20 Sr
CEDP 324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 3 3/30/2012

4. Concurrent Schedules
 Two ore more schedules available at a given time
 Great for studying choice
FR10 VR 20
Sr Sr
CEDP 324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 4 3/30/2012

5. Cooperative Schedules
 Two organisms
working on different or
same schedules – but
SR for either is
dependent on both
 Total of 100R between
both birds – then both
receive SR
 Both must make at
least 10 before either
gets SR
CEDP 324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 5 3/30/2012

6. Credits
 www.sxc.hu
 Pigeons - claudmey
 Bus schedule - mzacha
 Air schedule - dlritter
 Moleskin - michelini
 Buffet - ilco
 Child - erikmari
 Slot machines - cholin
 Cars – generd79
 Golf - vivekchugh
 Scaffolding - mattox
CEDP 324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 6 3/30/2012