latching relay module
Date1950-1955
Inventory NumberWJ1006
ClassificationRelay
Subject
Maker
B. F. Skinner
1904 - 1990
Maker
Department of Psychology, Harvard University
founded 1934
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions18.7 × 5.1 × 14 cm (7 3/8 × 2 × 5 1/2 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis shopbuilt latching relay has a black panel with contacts for snap leads. The reverse contains the relays. Currently mounted in an instrument rack (WJ1011).
Signedunsigned
Inscribeda silver and blue sticker on front right side: LOCK UP
Curatorial RemarksOriginally mounted in instrument rack (WJ1005) for exhibit in William James Hall (basement), removed 2016, and remounted onto instrument rack (WJ1011) for new exhibit in William James Hall (ninth floor)
FunctionThis rack module contains two relays that are wired together. When the first is energized, the second keeps it closed (i.e. latched) until the current in the second relay is broken.
This was used to set up reinforcement for variable interval schemes.
This was used to set up reinforcement for variable interval schemes.
ProvenanceB. F. Skinner's laboratory, Memorial Hall, Department of Psychology, Harvard University.
Historical AttributesOne of many typical modular programming devices used in the late 1950s and early 1960's in B. F. Skinner's laboratory in the basement of Memorial Hall at Harvard University as part of his experiments on operant conditioning and behavioral psychology.
B. F. Skinner
Date: 1960-1965
Object number: WJ0962a
Grason-Stadler Company
Date: 1962-1965
Object number: WJ1014
Leach Relay Company
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0531
Date: circa 1955
Accessories: WJ0978 is the other part of Skinner Exhibit #10.
Object number: WJ1010
