Biomedical subjects

M C Choban

Publications and source records attributed to M C Choban.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Delay of reinforcement effects: timing of reinforcement or narrow goal-box confinement.

The present experiment investigated whether narrow goal-box confinement in studies of delay of reinforcement in the runway may have had aversive or punishing effects. Analysis showed no difference in performance between groups of rats who were either confined in a narrow goal-box or a large compartment while receiving their delay of reinforcement. The results suggest that narrow goal-box confinement does not have aversive characteristics.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effects of delay of reinforcement with reduction of confinement in the goal-box and elimination of handling immediately following runway traversal.

24 male rats were randomly assigned into one of three groups. The first group was immediately reinforced with food pellets upon entering a wide goal-box area after running down a straight alley. The second group was reinforced with food pellets 10 sec. after they placed their noses above the goal cup. A third group was reinforced 30 sec. after they placed their noses above the goal cup. All animals were given a total of 72 trials (four trials per day). The results indicated that rats given immediate reinforcement ran faster than those with a 10-sec. delay which were faster than those with a 30-sec. delay. These findings suggest that the results of the previous studies were due to delay of reinforcement effects and not confinement in the goal-box or handling following a run.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

A systematic approach to increasing use of management-oriented program evaluation data.

With the implementation of Management Information Systems (MISs) in human service delivery settings, came the expectation that managers would make data-based decisions. There is substantial evidence, however, that this has not occurred. The present authors describe a systematic approach to correcting this deficiency. The approach involves a behavioral definition of management information use, the identification of disruptions in the behaviors comprising information use, and an intervention designed to reduce disruptions and promote use. Conclusions about the effectiveness of this approach gained from its implementation in a community mental health center are described.

Community Mental Health Centers↗