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Abstract

This study was designed to determine if the partial reinforcement effect could be observed in a vigilance task when knowledge of results (KR) was varied as the incentive. Ss detected the onset of a visual signal during a 1-hr. vigil divided into four periods. Five groups of 25 Ss were employed: (1) 100% KR throughout the session, (2) 50% KR throughout the session, (3) 100% KR during the first 2 periods and none thereafter, (4) 50% KR during the first 2 periods and none thereafter, and (5) no evaluative feedback but acknowledgment of each response by E. Response times (RTs) in the group receiving no evaluative feedback exceeded those of all of the others and increased consistently across periods. Those groups maintained on a KR schedule throughout the session had similar RTs and their performances remained invariant throughout the session. Withdrawal of KR during the last two periods was accompanied by a notable increment in RT. Consistent with the partial reinforcement effect, the relative magnitude of this increment was greater for those Ss exposed to continuous than to intermittent KR during the earlier portion of the session.

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The Partial Reinforcement Effect in a Vigilance Task

Abstract

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References