Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
1973
Thesis Director
Gary L. Holt
Abstract
Investigators have used many different values for the ITI in investigating the variables in matching-to-sample. Holt and Shafer (1973), showed that the ITI itself influences matching performance. In the present experiment the titration method was employed to determine the optimal or "preferred" ITI for pigeons. Three Ss began each session with an ITI of 0 sec. Three other Ss began each session with an ITI of 60 sec. During the session two consecutive correct responses reduced the ITI by 2 secs while a single error would increase the ITI by 2 secs. The results showed that the 60 sec ITI group worked down to the 0 sec ITI. However, performance at the 0 sec ITI then decreased. The 0 sec ITI group maintained the 0 sec ITI and performance improved in the second half of a session. The results were interpretated as suggesting that the titration method maintains observing behavior which accounts for high accuracy in matching-to-sample. Amsel's frustration hypothesis is also considered to account for the distribution of errors within a session.
Recommended Citation
Hochstetter, Gregory T., "Titration of Intertrial Interval in the Matching-to-Sample Paradigm" (1973). Masters Theses. 3815.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/3815
