TEMPORAL DISCRIMINATION LEARNING

该项目的长期目标是确定一种时间理论 它定量地解释了许多人的行为， 在时间知觉和计时性能的研究中使用的程序。 目前的定量模型的时间，以及这些模型的变化， 将通过计算机程序进行指定。这些将包括标量 计时理论，计时的多振荡器理论，行为 定时理论和实时条件反射理论可分离部件 这些模型中的每一个都将被识别， 时间间隔、时间记忆和决策过程。的 基于独特组合的模型的计算机模拟结果 这些心理过程将与实验数据进行比较 在计时任务中测试的老鼠。为了评估各种假设， 时间知觉、记忆和决策过程的实验. 涉及时间间隔之间的过渡的不同时间尺度， 将进行离群值、背景条件和选择。 将评估系统的性质（确定性或随机性） 通过检查反应、刺激和 使用分析方法进行加固， 了解一些物理和生理系统。完成 实验结果，模型描述，程序，数据分析 程序将以其他人可以随时使用的形式保留。 时间知觉的各种扭曲是不同的特征 精神障碍和药物诱导的障碍。了解 定时性能的潜在机制可能有助于 了解这些影响。

The long-term objective of the project is to identify a theory of timing that accounts quantitatively for many measures of behavior in many procedures used in the study of time perception and timed performance. Current quantitative models of timing, and variations of these models, will be specified with computer programs. These will include scalar timing theory, a multiple-oscillator theory of timing, a behavioral theory of timing, and real-time theory of conditioning. Separable parts of each of these models will be identified that correspond to perception of temporal intervals, temporal memory, and decision processes. The results of computer simulations of models based upon unique combinations of these psychological processes will be compared with experimental data from rats tested in timing tasks. To assess various hypotheses regarding temporal perception, memory, and decision processes, experiments at different scales of time involving transition between time intervals, outliers, context conditioning, and choice will be conducted. The nature of the system (deterministic or stochastic) will be assessed by examination of the time of occurrence of responses, stimuli and reinforcements using analytical methods that have been successful in the understanding of some physical and physiological systems. Complete experimental results, descriptions of models, procedures, data analysis programs will be retained in a form that can be readily used by others. Various distortions of time perception are characteristic of different psychiatric disorders and drug induced disorders. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying timed performance may contribute to an understanding of these effects.