The number of taps on the Skinner Box functions as a conditional discriminative stimulus, which corresponds to the number of chains the rat must pull in order to receive the light reinforcer. The light then functions as a discriminative stimulus in the presence of which pressing the lever will be reinforced with water.

This original experiment was created and implemented by Ryan Clubine in Dr. Richard Malott's PSY1000 honors class at Western Michigan University. Matt Brodhead was the graduate student instructor for this course.