Matching-to-sample accuracy on fixed-ratio schedules.
Drop FR 1 and add a short ITI to keep matching-to-sample accuracy high.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team ran matching-to-sample trials under fixed-ratio schedules. They tested FR 1, 10, 20, 40, and 60.
Sometimes a short break (an ITI) followed each reinforcer. They tracked how often the pick was correct.
What they found
Accuracy hit the floor at FR 1 and FR 60.
Adding a brief ITI lifted FR 1 accuracy and kept it steady up to FR 20.
How this fits with other research
Tracey et al. (1974) saw the same FR-linked error bursts in kids. Their data warned that fixed schedules create predictable slip-ups.
Mintz et al. (1966) fixed the problem with visual cues inside the ratio. Yelton (1979) fixed it with a short pause after food. Same goal, different lever.
Bernstein et al. (2009) later moved the question to children with developmental delay. They raised the mand ratio to FR 10 and play stayed high. Their clinic result lines up with the lab: moderate FRs beat FR 1.
Why it matters
Skip FR 1 when you run matching-to-sample or any discrimination program. Slide to FR 10–20 and drop in a 2–3 s ITI. You will keep accuracy up while you thin reinforcement. Try it next time you teach new tacts or visual discriminations.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Pigeons performing on a matching-to-sample procedure were exposed to six fixed-ratio (FR) schedules (FR 1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60) of food reinforcement for correct matching responses. During both a correction and a noncorrection procedure without an intertrial interval (ITI), matching accuracy was lower on FR 1 and FR 60 than at intermediate ratios. With the FR 1 schedule, both a 5-sec and a 25-sec ITI resulted in higher matching accuracy than without an ITI; accuracy, with an ITI, was fairly constant for ratios of 1 to 20 but declined at higher ratios. The results suggest that the presence or absence of an ITI in matching to sample may account for inconsistencies obtained in earlier studies of the relationship of matching accuracy to ratio size.
Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 1979 · doi:10.1901/jeab.1979.32-183