DISCRIMINATED TIME-OUT AVOIDANCE IN PIGEONS.

Pigeons pecked a key to avoid mild shock. A flashing light gave 30-second warnings.

If the bird pecked during the light, it earned a time-out from the shock schedule.

The team tried three time-out lengths: short, five-minute, and fifteen-minute.

Five-minute time-outs kept the birds pecking the most. Shorter or longer ones worked less well.

A drug that slows people down, chlorpromazine, made the birds peck even more for time-out.

Findley et al. (1965) ran the same time-out plan with a chimp the same year. Both species learned the rule, so the effect is not just a bird thing.

Edwards et al. (1970) later dropped the time-out part and kept only the warning light. Pigeons still used the light, showing the signal itself is powerful.

Johnston et al. (1972) stretched or shrank the seconds between response and shock. They also saw rate climb with shorter intervals, matching the five-minute sweet spot found here.

You now know a medium-length break keeps avoidance behavior strong. Use five-minute activity breaks when teaching escape or avoidance skills. Pair the break with a clear warning stimulus so the learner knows when the chance is open. Watch for side-effects if the client takes calming meds; the response pattern may shift.