TEMPORAL DISCRIMINATION LEARNING

该项目的长期目标是确定一种时间安排的理论 这在数量上解释了许多行为的衡量标准 在时间知觉和计时表现研究中使用的程序。 当前的计时量化模型，以及这些模型的变体， 将由计算机程序指定。其中包括标量 计时理论，计时的多振子理论，一种行为 计时理论和条件作用的实时理论。可拆分零件 这些模型中的每一个都将被识别为与感知相对应 时间间隔、时间记忆和决策过程。这个 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 来自在计时任务中测试的老鼠。评估关于以下各项的假设 时间感知、记忆和决策过程，实验 涉及时间间隔之间转换的不同时间尺度， 将进行离群值、上下文条件和选择。 系统的性质(确定性或随机性)将被评估 通过检查反应、刺激和刺激的发生时间 使用分析方法的增援，这些方法在 了解一些生理和生理系统。完成 实验结果、模型说明、步骤、数据分析 程序将以其他人可以随时使用的形式保留。 不同的时间知觉扭曲具有不同的特点 精神障碍和药物引起的障碍。一种对 计时性能背后的机制可能有助于 对这些影响的理解。

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.