Abstract
Response distributions of pigeons on the peak procedure, averaged over many trials, were well fitted by a Gaussian function plus either a straight line or a ramp. But, each of 11 distributions analyzed showed a systematic positive skew. Response distribution on individual trials showed break-run-break patterns with abrupt transitions in the rate of responding. Within the run phase was an inner run phase at yet a higher rate. Intercorrelations among the starting time, ending time, middle, duration, and rate of the run showed a similar pattern in the outer and inner runs. A positive correlation between starting and ending times suggests variance across trials in clock speed, delay to start the clock, or expected time of reward. A negative correlation between starting time and duration suggests variance across trials in the threshold or thresholds to start and end the run.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 56-67 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 1993 |
| Externally published | Yes |