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Related Experiment Videos

Variable-ratio versus variable-interval schedules: response rate, resistance to change, and preference.

J A Nevin1, Randolph, S Holland

  • 1University of New Hampshire, USA. tonyn@vineyard.net

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|August 23, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Behavioral momentum theory was challenged by findings that resistance to change and preference in pigeons depend on response rates, not just reinforcer rates. Variable-interval schedules showed greater resistance and preference when response rates were higher.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Animal behavior

Background:

  • Behavioral momentum theory posits that resistance to change and preference are independent of response rates.
  • Previous research has primarily focused on the role of reinforcer rates in determining these behavioral phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether resistance to change and preference in pigeons are influenced by response rates established by different reinforcement schedules.
  • To test the predictions of behavioral momentum theory regarding the independence of resistance to change and preference from response rates.

Main Methods:

  • Two experiments using pigeons trained on multiple variable-ratio and variable-interval schedules of reinforcement.
  • Manipulation of reinforcer rates and assessment of resistance to change during intercomponent intervals (food, extinction, or both).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Concurrent-chains procedures were used in Experiment 2 to assess preference.

    • Main Results:

    • Resistance to change was greater in variable-interval components when baseline response rates were higher in variable-ratio components.
    • Preference in concurrent chains overmatched the ratio of obtained reinforcer rates.
    • Both preference and resistance were greater for variable-interval schedules when reinforcer rates were similar, correlating with higher response rates on variable-ratio schedules.

    Conclusions:

    • Resistance to change and preference are influenced by both response rate and obtained reinforcer rate.
    • Findings challenge the behavioral momentum theory's assertion of independence between resistance to change, preference, and response rate.
    • Response rate plays a significant role in predicting behavioral persistence and choice behavior.