One component (variable component) of a three-ply multiple schedule was gradually changed over 55 sessions from variable-interval (VI) 1-min. to VI 5-min. by exposing pigeons to the following sequence of values: VI 1, VI 2, VI 3, VI 4, VI 5-min. Subsequently, the reinforcement density in a second component (following component) was abruptly changed from VI 1-min. to VI 5-min. The effects of both gradual and abrupt reductions in reinforcement density were examined in the third component (constant component) in which the schedule remained unchanged. For all subjects, the greatest increase over baseline values occurred during the abrupt reduction in reinforcement rate.
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