Fixed Interval Schedule

Preference for Fixed-interval Schedules

Schedules of Reinforcement

The contingent relationship between actions and their consequences lies at the heart of Skinner’s experimental analysis of behavior. Particular patterns of behavior emerge depending upon the contingencies established. Ferster and Skinner examined the effects of different schedules of reinforcement on behavior. An extraordinary work, Schedules of Reinforcement represents over 70,000 hours of research primarily with pigeons, though the principles have now been experimentally verified with many species including human beings. At first glance, the book appears to be an atlas of schedules. And so it is, the most exhaustive in existence. But it is also a reminder of the power of describing and explaining behavior through an analysis of measurable and manipulative behavior-environment relations without appealing to physiological mechanisms in the brain. As en exemplar and source for the further study of behavioral phenomena, the book illustrates the scientific philosophy that Skinner and Ferster adopted: that a science is best built from the ground up, from a firm foundation of facts that can eventually be summarized as scientific laws.

Learning

Known for its uncompromising academic rigor and easy-to-read style and format, Klein: Learning: Principles and Applications is now in its Fifth Edition. Over the past four editions, this text has received unending praise for its accessible and thorough coverage of both classic and current studies of animal and human research. Concepts and theories are introduced within the framework of highly effective pedagogical elements, such as: chapter-opening vignettes, "Before You Go On" checkpoints, application boxes, chapter summaries, and critical thinking questions. In this new edition, the content has been updated and reorganized to reflect changes in the field, the pedagogical features have been strengthened and highlighted to continue to help students better comprehend the subject matter, and the ancillaries are all new. Key Features Chapter Opening Vignettes, and real-world examples peppered through the text, engage the reader on a personal level. Before You Go On bulleted questions emphasize mastery of key concepts throughout every chapter. End-of-chapter Critical Thinking questions help students integrate and apply chapter material. Coverage of Biological Influences on learning and memory outshines other texts. NEW! Theories of Learning and Applications are now presented in the same chapters for better continuity. NEW! A special focus on Cognition reflects new directions in the field. This text is accompanied by robust ancillaries! The Companion Student Study Site includes e-Flashcards, study quizzes, Web resources and exercises. Also included are SAGE journal articles with critical thinking questions so students can review original research that relates to the material in their textbook. Go to http://www.sagepub.com/klein5study/ to view the site. The Instructor's Resources (on CD-ROM) is available to adopters of the textbook. It includes PowerPoint slides, a computerized test bank with multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer/essay questions, suggested exercises, Web resources, and more. Contact Customer Care at 800-818-7243 for your copy.