Temporal analysis of cigarette smoking

Two experiments were performed to determine the temporal distribution of cigarette smoking in the natural environment. In experiment I, smoking distributions were analyzed for 14 students by comparing the mean number of cigarettes smoked per 2-hr time period with the expected mean rate, excluding those time periods prior to the first and after the last smoked cigarette. The expected mean rate was established by assuming smoking to be evenly distributed throughout 2-hr intervals in the walking day. Chi-square analyses showed no significant temporal control for any of the subjects. The combined data for all subjects also indicated no significant variability. In experiment II, more precise temporal control was assessed by having 4 students self-monitor both their cigarette smoking and sleep behavior. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per 2-hr time period, excluding times spent sleeping, were compared with the expected mean rates for each student and all students combined. As in experiment I, no significant temporal variability was observed. These data showed temporal variables to exert no consistent control over cigarette smoking.