Effects of Progressive Ratio Schedules on Responding Following Exposure to Varying Economies
Abstract
In the field of behavior analysis, access to reinforcement is generally referred to as
being either an open or a closed economy. However, little research exists on the
varying degrees of reinforcer exposure that may occur between the parameters of
“open” and “closed.” The current study compares varying degrees of economies
utilizing closed, 33% open, 66% open, and open economy conditions with three
participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Prior to analysis, all participants
completed an evaluation to determine whether their preferences remained stable over
multiple sessions and whether they were sensitive to a satiation operation. Results are
evaluated in terms of response rate, average break point, demand curve, and work-rate
function. Overall response rates and break points were highest in the closed economy
conditions for all participants. Likewise, demand curves and work-rate functions for
all participants indicated the least elasticity under closed economy conditions.
Implications and future directions based on these results are discussed.