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Published on: June 2, 2014
Acquisition with partial and continuous reinforcement in pigeon autoshaping
1University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. dag@ruccs.rutgers.edu
Learning & Behavior
|January 28, 2005
Summary
This study on pigeon autoshaping found that partial reinforcement slowed initial learning but improved overall performance compared to continuous reinforcement, challenging time accumulation models.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Animal learning and behavior
Background:
- Time accumulation models predict equal acquisition rates for partial and continuous reinforcement.
- Previous research has not consistently addressed this prediction under controlled conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the prediction of time accumulation models regarding reinforcement schedules.
- To investigate the effects of partial versus continuous reinforcement on conditioned response acquisition and performance in pigeons.
Main Methods:
- Pigeon autoshaping was used to examine conditioned responding.
- Two groups experienced 100% (continuous) or 25% (partial) reinforcement.
- Intertrial interval was held constant across conditions.
Main Results:
- Acquisition of conditioned responding was slower under partial reinforcement.
- Asymptotic performance was superior with 25% reinforcement.
- Partial reinforcement enhanced responding even after contingency switches and with novel stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Acquisition results contradict time accumulation models.
- Findings support associative accounts of conditioning over time accumulation theories.
- Partial reinforcement demonstrates a lasting impact on response maintenance.
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01:19Role of Shaping in Operant Conditioning
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