Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
16:23
Automated, Quantitative Cognitive/Behavioral Screening of Mice: For Genetics, Pharmacology, Animal Cognition and Undergraduate Instruction
Published on: February 26, 2014
Pigeons' choices between fixed-interval and random-interval schedules: utility of variability?
Matthew E Andrzejewski1, Claudia D Cardinal, Douglas P Field
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6001 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA. mandrzejewsk@wisc.edu
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|April 15, 2005
Summary
Pigeons did not strongly prefer fixed schedules over random ones, even when random schedules offered longer delays. Increased randomness decreased preference for fixed schedules, suggesting a potential preference for variability.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal behavior
- Operant conditioning
Background:
- Understanding choice behavior is crucial in behavioral psychology.
- Reinforcement schedules significantly influence animal choices.
- Previous research suggests potential preferences for variable over fixed schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pigeons' choices between fixed-interval and random-interval schedules of reinforcement.
- To determine how variations in random-interval schedules affect preference.
- To explore the implications for theories of behavioral variability.
Main Methods:
- A discrete-trial procedure was employed to study pigeon choices.
- Random-interval schedules were generated by sampling probability distributions.
- Delays to reinforcement were systematically manipulated in random schedules.
Main Results:
- Pigeons did not show a strong preference for fixed-interval schedules, even with longer delays.
- Increasing the probability of reinforcement in random schedules decreased preference for fixed schedules.
- Choice patterns indicated that preference correlated with consecutive choices on the preferred alternative.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest pigeons may exhibit a preference for variability in reinforcement schedules.
- Results align with foraging theory's "preference for variability" concept.
- The study contributes to understanding behavioral variability in decision-making contexts.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Random Variables
A random variable is a single numerical value that indicates the outcome of a procedure. The concept of random variables is fundamental to the probability theory and was introduced by a Russian mathematician, Pafnuty Chebyshev, in the mid-nineteenth century.
Uppercase letters such as X or Y denote a random variable. Lowercase letters like x or y denote the value of a random variable. If X is a random variable, then X is written in words, and x is given as a number.
For example, let X = the...
Uppercase letters such as X or Y denote a random variable. Lowercase letters like x or y denote the value of a random variable. If X is a random variable, then X is written in words, and x is given as a number.
For example, let X = the...
01:09Decision Making: P-value Method
The process of hypothesis testing based on the P-value method includes calculating the P- value using the sample data and interpreting it.
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can have a...
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can have a...
01:13Randomized Experiments
The randomization process involves assigning study participants randomly to experimental or control groups based on their probability of being equally assigned. Randomization is meant to eliminate selection bias and balance known and unknown confounding factors so that the control group is similar to the treatment group as much as possible. A computer program and a random number generator can be used to assign participants to groups in a way that minimizes bias.
Simple randomization
Simple...
Simple randomization
Simple...
01:11Variability: Analysis
Measures of variability are statistical metrics that reveal the dispersion pattern within a dataset. They are pivotal in biostatistics, providing insights into the heterogeneity within health and biological data. Variability signifies the degree to which data points diverge from one another, helping researchers understand the potential range of values and associated uncertainty within the data.
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...
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...