Work

Effects of a Variable‐ratio Reinforcement Schedule With Changing Criteria on Exercise in Obese and Nonobese Boys

Year: 1992

Type: article

Abstract: The effects of a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement on pedaling a a stationary exercise bicycle were examined. Three obese and three nonobese 11-year-old boys were individually tested five times weekly for approximately 12 weeks. A changing-criterion design was used in which each successive criterion was increased over mean performance rate in the previous phase by approximately 15%. The contingencies of the successive criteria resulted in systematic increases in rate of exercise for all children. Final variable-ratio rates were higher than those under fixed ratios found in previous research, with rates for 2 of the 3 obese boys approximating those of the nonobese.

Source: Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis

DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-671

Authors: Rayleen V. De Luca, Stephen W. Holborn

Institution: University of Manitoba

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral and Psychological Studies

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Manitoba Mental Health Research Foundation