Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
07:32
Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement
Published on: August 20, 2010
PARTIAL REINFORCEMENT (ACQUISITION) EFFECTS WITHIN SUBJECTS
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|March 1, 1964
Summary
Rats showed better acquisition performance in a runway task under partial reinforcement for starting and running times, but worse for goal entry. This confirms previous findings within subjects.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Partial reinforcement (PR) and continuous reinforcement (CR) paradigms are fundamental in learning studies.
- Previous research demonstrated differences in acquisition performance between PR and CR groups in runway tasks, but within-subject comparisons were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the within-subject effects of partial reinforcement (PR) versus continuous reinforcement (CR) on rat acquisition performance in a straight alley runway.
- To compare performance measures at different stages of the response chain (starting, running, goal entry).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two rats were trained in a straight alley runway.
- Partial reinforcement (PR) was applied when the alley was black (B+/-).
- Continuous reinforcement (CR) was applied when the alley was white (W+).
- Starting time, running time, and goal entry time were measured.
Main Results:
- Higher terminal performance was observed under PR compared to CR for starting time and running time measures.
- Lower terminal performance was observed under PR compared to CR for the goal entry time measure.
- These within-subject findings corroborate previous between-group results in runway tasks.
Conclusions:
- Within-subject comparisons in runway tasks reveal nuanced effects of reinforcement schedules on different performance measures.
- The discrete-trial procedure and multi-point measures in the runway offer a different perspective compared to Skinner box free-operant studies.
Related Concept Videos
02:01Group Design
The most basic experimental design involves two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The two groups are designed to be the same except for one difference— experimental manipulation. The experimental group gets the experimental manipulation—that is, the treatment or variable being tested—and the control group does not. Since experimental manipulation is the only difference between the experimental and control groups, we can be sure that any differences between the two are due to...
01:06Law of Effect
B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
01:23Reinforcement
Positive and negative reinforcement are key concepts in operant conditioning, a learning process where the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
01:24Reinforcement Schedules
Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
Once a behavior is learned,...
Once a behavior is learned,...
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...