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Fractional punishment of fixed-ratio performance
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|September 1, 1970
Summary
Punishing pigeons with electric shock during ratio schedules disrupted their behavior, especially when shock occurred early in the ratio. However, pigeons showed rapid recovery once punishment ceased.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Fixed-ratio (FR) schedules are fundamental in operant conditioning.
- Understanding punishment effects on behavior is crucial for behavioral modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of punishment locus on pigeon fixed-ratio behavior.
- To analyze how response-dependent shock affects performance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons were trained on fixed-rate 60 and fixed-ratio 99 schedules.
- Electric shock punishment was applied during specific segments (first, middle, or final third) of the ratio.
- Behavioral responses and post-reinforcement pauses were recorded.
Main Results:
- High-intensity shock significantly altered FR performance patterns.
- Punishment in the initial third of the ratio most prolonged post-reinforcement pauses.
- Shock in the middle or final third disrupted responding prior to the punished segment.
- Low-intensity shock sometimes facilitated response rates.
Conclusions:
- The location of punishment within a ratio schedule critically influences behavioral disruption.
- Pigeons exhibit adaptive recovery from punishment, even after suppression.
- Response-dependent punishment can have complex effects, including rate facilitation at low intensities.
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