Resistance to change as a function of response speed

Abstract

This study examined the effects of different response-speed requirements on resistance to change. Undergraduates were exposed to a simulated scenario aiming to destroy pollution sources by clicking on moving targets. During baseline, a multiple variable interval (VI) 15 s VI 15 s was in effect. Points (100) served as reinforcers. In the Low-Speed Component, the response button moved across the computer screen at a speed of 30 % of the screen length per second. In the High-Speed Component, the response button moved across the computer screen at a speed of 60 % of the screen length per second. A VI 10 s of point loss (-95) disrupted responding during the test. Behavioral resistance was calculated as proportional changes from baseline response rates to test response rates. When the point-loss disrupted responding, greater resistance was observed in the Low-Speed Component, corroborating previous studies with other dimensions of physical requirements.