Previous studies have examined the variability induced by reinforcement schedules. These studies have suggested that the reinforcement rate and periodicity of reinforcement are factors that determine the degree of variability. The present study aimed to examine the effect of the above factors on variability in a variable-interval schedule. We measured the variability in the location of pigeon pecking responses for a single variable-interval schedule under a wide range of reinforcement rates. A circular response area of 22.4 cm in diameter was used so that the pecking responses were effective over a wide range. There was no systematic relationship between reinforcement rate and variability. In addition, consistent temporal change of the location variability was not shown in the variable-interval schedule. The results of the present study and previous studies would be accounted for by the suggestion that the periodicity of reinforcement or temporal discrimination affects the variability. In addition, the present study suggests that a molecular analysis is needed to examine the effect of the reinforcement schedule on variability.

以前的研究已经检查了由强化计划引起的可变性。这些研究表明，强化率和强化周期是决定变异程度的因素。本研究旨在检查上述因素对可变间隔计划中可变性的影响。我们测量了在广泛的强化率范围内，单个可变间隔时间表的鸽子啄食反应位置的可变性。使用直径为 22.4 厘米的圆形响应区域，以便啄食响应在很宽的范围内有效。强化率和变异性之间没有系统关系。此外，位置可变性的一致时间变化未显示在可变间隔时间表中。本研究和以前研究的结果将通过强化或时间歧视的周期性影响可变性的建议来解释。此外，本研究表明需要进行分子分析来检查强化计划对可变性的影响。