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Preference for mixed-interval versus fixed-interval schedules: number of component intervals
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|March 1, 1972
Summary
Pigeons showed preferences for interval schedules based on interval lengths, not the number of components. Current models do not fully predict mixed-interval schedule choices in pigeons.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal behavior
- Operant conditioning
Background:
- Understanding choice behavior in pigeons is crucial for behavioral psychology.
- Previous research explored preferences between fixed-interval schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine pigeon preference between fixed-interval and mixed-interval schedules.
- To investigate the effect of varying numbers of component intervals on schedule choice.
- To test the predictive power of existing models for mixed-interval schedule choices.
Main Methods:
- Six pigeons were trained using a concurrent chains procedure.
- Terminal links involved fixed-interval and mixed-interval schedules with varied component numbers.
- Interval values mirrored those used by Davison (1969).
Main Results:
- Pigeon choice behavior approximated the relative means of the squares of harmonic intervals.
- The number of component intervals did not significantly affect relative choice.
- Existing data on fixed-interval versus fixed-interval choice could not predict mixed-interval choices.
Conclusions:
- Pigeon preference is primarily determined by interval lengths, not component count.
- Current models require refinement to accurately predict choices involving mixed-interval schedules.
- Further research is needed to understand the complexities of interval schedule selection.
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