Delay Reduction and Conditioned Reinforcement

Fantino and Logan (1979) have reviewed the observing response studies and point out that:

This statement is based on Edmund Fantino’s (1969a) delay-reduction hypothesis. Stimuli closer in time to positive reinforcement, or further in time from an aversive event, are more effective conditioned reinforcers. Stimuli that signal no reduction in time to reinforcement (S) or no safety from an aversive event (Save) do not function as conditioned reinforcement. Generally, the value of a conditioned reinforcer is due to its delay reduction-how close it is to reinforcement or how far it is from punishment.