A series of experiments on operant variability by Neuringer and colleagues (e.g., Neuringer, 1986, 2002; Page & Neuringer, 1985) have been repeatedly cited as showing that behavioral variability can be reinforced by making reinforcement contingent on it. They showed that the degree of variability in pigeons' eight-peck sequences, as measured by U…

When responses function to produce the same reinforcer, a response class exists. Researchers have examined response classes in applied settings; however, the challenges associated with conducting applied research on response class development have recently necessitated the development of an analogue response class model. To date, little research…

If the members of a functional response class occur in a predictable order, a response-class hierarchy is said to exist. Although this topic has received some attention in the applied literature, it remains relatively understudied. The purpose of the current investigation was to develop an analogue model of a response-class hierarchy. Children…

It is well known that the duration of the delay between a response and consequence is inversely related to the impact of that consequence on future responding, and even short delays can greatly undermine the effectiveness of a consequence. However, several studies have shown that delayed primary reinforcement can have a substantial impact on…

Effects of response guided experimentation in applied behavior analysis on Type I error rates are explored. Data from T. A. Matyas and K. M. Greenwood (1990) suggest that, when visual inspection is combined with response guided experimentation, Type I error rates can be as high as 25%. (SLD)

Examines the relative effectiveness of either partial or total success training as a preventive agent against the debilitating effect of noncontingent reinforcement. (Author/RK)