We describe the Behavioral Theory of timing (BeT); the theory holds that temporal judgments are conditional discriminations based on behaviora elicited by periodic reinforcements. Simple mathematical models are developed to map the distributions of those behaviors in time, and to make predictions about ensuing temporal judgments. The models are constrained by the empirical fact of scalar timing (i.e., Weber's law), as are models of an alternate theory, Scalar Expectancy Theory (SET). We posit a pacemaket-countersystem, but BeT proposes that the period of the pacemaker varies with the rate of reinforcement, whereas SET holds that it does not. BeT predicts a positive but imperfect correlation between multiple temporal judgments within an interbal; the basic version of SET predicts no correlation. BeT predicts a close correspondence between overt behaviors and temporal estimates. Set does not. BeT predicts that different drive states that support different constellations of asjunctive behaviors will be differentially effective in supporting temporal judgments. SET does not.
Other aims of this proposal involve the further development of BeT. The greatest need is for better models for the pacemaker which permit imperfect periodicity, rather than perfect periodicity with noise (SET) or complete randomness (BeT's Poisson model) that are invoked by these theories. In particular, basic models of nonlinear oscillators will be developed, and experiments to constrain versions of these models will be generated. The proposed research will contribute to the mental health mission of NIH by providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of reinforcers and their distribution in time on behavior

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH048359-02
Application #
3387906
Study Section
Psychobiology and Behavior Review Committee (PYB)
Project Start
1991-09-01
Project End
1994-08-31
Budget Start
1992-09-30
Budget End
1993-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
005436803
City
Indianapolis
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46202
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Killeen, P R; Palombo, G M; Gottlob, L R et al. (1996) Bayesian analysis of foraging by pigeons (Columba livia). J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process 22:480-96
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Stubbs, D A; Dreyfus, L R; Fetterman, J G et al. (1994) Duration comparison: relative stimulus differences stimulus age, and stimulus predictiveness. J Exp Anal Behav 62:15-32
Killeen, P R; Cate, H; Tran, T (1993) Scaling pigeons' choice of feeds: bigger is better. J Exp Anal Behav 60:203-17
Fetterman, J G; Dreyfus, L R; Stubbs, D A (1993) Discrimination of duration ratios by pigeons (Columba livia) and humans (Homo sapiens). J Comp Psychol 107:3-11
Killeen, P R; Fetterman, J G (1993) The behavioral theory of timing: transition analyses. J Exp Anal Behav 59:411-22
Fetterman, J G (1993) Numerosity discrimination: both time and number matter. J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process 19:149-64