Pierce and Cheney (2017), "in most cases, people who follow self-generated rules satisfy the requirements of the schedule, obtain reinforcement, and continue to follow the rule" (p.151). This would be one person jogging in a marathon while another person might run or sprint to the finish line. The person jogging might set the contingency that they will not get tired as fast and cross the finish line if they pace themselves. While the other person running or sprinting might set their contingency of running or sprinting to get to the finish place quicker than most runners.

 

Can you give other examples of assumption of generality of schedule effects 

There are many examples of how people assume that the effects of a schedule will be generalized. One example is that people tend to think that if a behavior is reinforced under one schedule, it will continue to be reinforced under other schedules. Another example is that people often think that if a behavior is not reinforced under one schedule, it will not be reinforced under other schedules. Finally, people often think that the rate of reinforcement affects the strength of the behavior.

One example of how people assume that the effects of a schedule will be generalized is in the context of weight loss. People often think that if they diet and exercise under one schedule, they will continue to lose weight under other schedules. Another example is in the context of academic performance. People often think that if they study and do homework under one schedule, they will continue to do well in school under other schedules. 
 

Step-by-step explanation

In a journal by Pierce and Cheney (2017) they state, "in most cases, people who follow self-generated rules satisfy the requirements of the schedule, obtain reinforcement, and continue to follow the rule" (p.151). This says that an individual might come up with a reward for themselves in order to stay on task or perform better in an activity. For example, a runner might train for months and go on a strict diet in order to finish a marathon. They could have set the contingency that if they train hard enough and eat the right foods then they will reach their goal of not getting winded as fast as most other runners.

Other examples of the assumption of generality of schedules effects includes sleeping when you are tired and eating when you are hungry. Some people might sleep more than others if they work a full-time job while they are going to school, while another person might eat more once they get off their shift at the restaurant that they wait tables at. The reason both people would do this is because they will receive pay checks at the end of the week which will then reinforce them to continue to follow their rule of doing what made them receive their paycheck in the first place. The schedule will eventually lead to both people getting enough sleep or rest and food on a regular basis.

When a person is offered money in return for improving their homework grades, they might follow the contingency that if they work harder on their assignments then they could make more money. While someone else is offered money if they go to the gym three times a week and lost weight. The other person would set their contingency as working out three times a week will get them closer to their goal of losing weight.

One more example might be that someone who is playing hard to win a game from the opposite team. The individuals playing are following the rules of the schedule, and works hard to win against the opposite team. They feel as though if they worked hards, and followed all of the rules of the schedules then they will get reinforcement at the end which could be winning that game. However, another person from the same team might try a different move, or even giving up just to mess with their game play. This would still effect both individuals by their actions in playing the game. This would still meet contingency requirements given by both individuals who have a different approach on how to play and finish a game.