Signalled reinforcement in differential-reinforcement-of-low rate schedules.

The team added a light to a DRL schedule. The light came on only when the animal waited long enough.

They watched how the signal changed response rates. They also tested short and long DRL values.

The signal cut extra responses. Animals made fewer unreinforced presses than with plain DRL.

When the wait time was under 30 s, the animals ignored the light. They just counted seconds.

Looney et al. (2018) later used the same idea with a boy with autism. They added a clicker so the child could monitor his own stereotypy. The package worked, showing the lab trick helps real clients.

Moss et al. (2009) asked what happens when you change the DRL wait time. They found big jumps work better than slow steps. Their tip pairs well with H’s signal: give the cue and jump straight to the target wait.

Flory et al. (1974) ran plain long DRL schedules the same year. They saw smooth timing but no signal. Together the papers show the light is only helpful if the interval is short enough for the animal to notice it.

If you use DRL to reduce rapid calling or stereotypy, add a brief signal that marks the end of the wait. Keep the first wait under 30 s so the client sees the signal matter. Later you can stretch the interval, but drop the cue once the learner tracks time alone.