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Preference and resistance to change with constant-duration schedule components.

J A Nevin1, R C Grace

  • 1University of New Hampshire, USA. tnevin@worldnet.att.net

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|August 31, 2000
PubMed
Summary

This study found that constant-duration components, unlike variable-duration ones, increase sensitivity in both preference and resistance measures. This supports the idea that these are independent and convergent indicators of reinforcement history.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Previous research on concurrent chains and multiple schedules used different component durations and reinforcer presentations.
  • Grace and Nevin (1997) explored preference and resistance in variable-duration components.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate preference and resistance to change in constant-duration components within concurrent schedules.
  • To compare the sensitivity of preference and resistance measures to reinforcer ratios under different component durations.

Main Methods:

  • Eight conditions varied reinforcer rates in constant-duration components.
  • A generalized matching law analysis was used to assess preference.
  • Resistance to change was tested using intercomponent food, extinction, and combined conditions.

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Main Results:

  • Initial-link preference strongly over-matched terminal-link reinforcer ratios.
  • Resistance to change was greater in richer components and showed additive effects across tests.
  • Resistance sensitivity to reinforcer ratios was lower than preference sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Constant-duration components enhance the sensitivity of both preference and resistance measures compared to variable-duration components.
  • Preference and resistance appear to be independent yet convergent measures of reinforcement history.
  • Findings support the utility of constant-duration components for studying reinforcement effects.