About the task
Purpose: to train the subject to take rewards, and associate them with a sound.
The task presents a sound and reward (in the Copenhagen lab, typically an M&M® chocolate pellet) together, at random intervals
Configuring the task
What constitutes "a reinforcer" is defined in the General Parameters. This allows you to set the reward sound and define what sound is associated with the presentation of a reward.
| • | Parameter of RT schedule. An imaginary clock ticks once a second. Every clock tick, the program flips a coin that will turn up heads with a probability of 1/parameter. If the coin turns up heads, a reinforcer is delivered. (For as long as it takes to deliver the reinforcer or the reinforcer-associated sound, the clock stops ticking in order to prevent another reinforcer being delivered at the same time.) Thus, if the parameter is 30, reinforcement is delivered with a probability of 1/30 every second, meaning that on average reinforcement is delivered once every 30 seconds. |
| • | Maximum number of rewards. Once this number of rewards has been delivered, the task stops. (Specify 0 for no limit.) |
| • | Maximum time permitted during task. Once this time limit has been reached, the task stops. (Specify 0 for no limit.) |
You must specify either a maximum number of rewards, or a maximum time, or both.
The houselight is on during the task.