Verbal responding under a fixed-interval schedule: effects of D-amphetamine. 1984

M L Stitzer

The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of d-amphetamine (5-30 mg) on rate and distribution of verbal responding which was maintained under a fixed-interval (FI) schedule of reinforcement. Hired volunteer subjects simultaneously wrote and spoke narrative monologues; points were delivered under a multiple 5 min fixed-interval 1 min time out schedule for closure of a voice operated relay (VOR). Under placebo control conditions, most subjects paused for 2-4 minutes following the 1 min time out then spoke and wrote during later portions of the interval. d-Amphetamine increased both the number of words written and seconds of VOR closure in a dose-related manner. In subjects who showed typical FI response patterning, the drug generally decreased the length of early interval pausing and increased low control amounts of verbal responding which occurred early in the interval proportionately more than higher amounts of verbal responding seen during later portions of the interval. These drug effects on response patterning were generally similar to those seen in infrahuman species responding under fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D012055 Reinforcement Schedule A schedule prescribing when the subject is to be reinforced or rewarded in terms of temporal interval in psychological experiments. The schedule may be continuous or intermittent. Reinforcement Schedules,Schedule, Reinforcement,Schedules, Reinforcement
D003216 Conditioning, Operant Learning situations in which the sequence responses of the subject are instrumental in producing reinforcement. When the correct response occurs, which involves the selection from among a repertoire of responses, the subject is immediately reinforced. Instrumental Learning,Learning, Instrumental,Operant Conditioning,Conditionings, Operant,Instrumental Learnings,Learnings, Instrumental,Operant Conditionings
D003913 Dextroamphetamine The d-form of AMPHETAMINE. It is a central nervous system stimulant and a sympathomimetic. It has also been used in the treatment of narcolepsy and of attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity in children. Dextroamphetamine has multiple mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulating release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It is also a drug of abuse and a psychotomimetic. d-Amphetamine,Curban,Dexamfetamine,Dexamphetamine,Dexedrine,Dextro-Amphetamine Sulfate,DextroStat,Dextroamphetamine Sulfate,Oxydess,d-Amphetamine Sulfate,dextro-Amphetamine,Dextro Amphetamine Sulfate,Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine,d Amphetamine,d Amphetamine Sulfate,dextro Amphetamine
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D014705 Verbal Behavior Includes both producing and responding to words, either written or spoken. Behavior, Verbal,Behaviors, Verbal,Verbal Behaviors

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