Adjunctive behavior in humans during game playing

There were large variations in the types and frequencies of behaviors emitted by different individuals, interpreted in terms of an increase in motor excitability which seems to occur in some individuals on certain schedules of reinforcement.

Abstract

Seven non-psychology university students, 4 men and 3 women, who ranged in age from 18 to 25 years were paid to participate in this experiment. Subjects received instructions about the nature of slot machines, which combinations would pay off, and how to operate a computer console with a visual display and keyboard which simulated such a machine characteristic of private clubs and gambling casinos. The keyboard space bar was utilized as a manipulandum and subjects were studiedon a variety of schedules. Both the appearance of a new poker card display and the payoffs were reinforcing. A comparison of baseline conditions composed of FI-5 sec and non-playing listening sessions with an FI-60 sec schedule revealed considerable adjunctive behavior induced during the longer interval schedule. Various types of movements, playing, and bizarre behaviors are described. There were large variations in the types and frequencies of behaviors emitted by different individuals. Results are interpreted in terms of an increase in motor excitability which seems to occur in some individuals on certain schedules of reinforcement.