Alternative Time Models

Which of the following best characterizes oscillator-based timing models?

• Time is stored in long-term memory networks

• Timing depends on biological rhythms that cycle through phases

• Responses are based on the average reinforcement rate

• A single pacemaker emits regular pulses

Fill in the blank:
In oscillator-based timing, animals are thought to use the pattern of __________ to time their responses.

• reward expectancy

• environmental cues

• oscillatory phase combinations

• reinforcement schedules

According to the Behavioural Theory of Timing, what serves as the basis for internal timekeeping?

• Discrete neural pulses

• A sequence of observable behaviours during the interval

• Stored memory representations

• The animal’s emotional state

True or False:
The Behavioural Theory of Timing argues that timing is independent of overt behaviour.

• True

• False

What is the central claim of timing models based on the rate of reinforcement?

• Animals estimate time using biological oscillators

• Timing is driven by the internal counting of pulses

• The longer the delay, the stronger the response

• Timing is a by-product of learning about how often reinforcement occurs

Fill in the blank:
According to reinforcement-rate models, an animal’s timing behaviour is shaped by the __________ associated with different intervals.

• length of stimulus presentations

• phase of oscillation

• rate of reinforcement

• presence of competing stimuli

Real-time models of conditioning aim to:

• Predict only the final response strength

• Ignore moment-to-moment variation

• Track and predict behaviour throughout the entire trial

• Discard scalar variability assumptions

True or False:
Real-time models attempt to explain not just whether a response occurs, but when during the trial it occurs.

• True

• False