stepping relay
Datecirca 1959
Inventory NumberWJ0975
ClassificationOperant conditioning module
Subject
Maker
Shop-Made
Dimensions17.8 × 10.2 × 8.3 cm (7 × 4 × 3 1/4 in.)
DescriptionMounted in instrument rack (WJ1011)
incorporates a 3-pole, 10 position relay with contacts wired to the front panel's snap connectors.
incorporates a 3-pole, 10 position relay with contacts wired to the front panel's snap connectors.
Curatorial Remarksweight approximate
Originally 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)
FunctionPart of Second Skinnerian Set-up
Each time a ground is presented to the relay coil, the relay common will step to the next contact until it completes as many steps as desired up to ten. It can then reset itself automatically. several could be stacked to program fixed ratio schedules.
Each time a ground is presented to the relay coil, the relay common will step to the next contact until it completes as many steps as desired up to ten. It can then reset itself automatically. several could be stacked to program fixed ratio schedules.
Historical AttributesUsed 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. This was part of Skinner's second experimental set-up.
Date: circa 1955
Accessories: WJ0978 is the other part of Skinner Exhibit #10.
Object number: WJ1010
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0501
Department of Psychology, Harvard University
Date: 1955-1965
Object number: WJ0971