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Chained concurrent schedules: reinforcement as situation transition.

W M Baum

    Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    |July 1, 1974
    PubMed
    Summary

    Pigeons demonstrated matching behavior in an initial-link situation, where pecks led to new situations. However, in a terminal-link situation, their choices showed indifference, suggesting reinforcement depends on context.

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    Area of Science:

    • Behavioral science
    • Animal behavior
    • Operant conditioning

    Background:

    • The matching relation is a fundamental principle in behavioral science, describing how response rates correspond to reinforcement rates.
    • Understanding how different reinforcement schedules and contexts affect choice behavior is crucial for behavioral analysis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate pigeon behavior in two distinct situations: initial-link and terminal-link.
    • To examine how a changeover delay influences choice behavior and adherence to the matching relation.
    • To explore the definition of reinforcement as situation transition and the impact of context on choice.

    Main Methods:

    • Pigeons were trained to peck response keys in two conditions: initial-link and terminal-link.
    • A changeover delay was implemented to separate responses from immediate outcomes.
    • Peck ratios and transition rates were recorded and analyzed for adherence to the matching relation.

    Main Results:

    • In the initial-link situation, pigeon peck ratios closely matched the ratio of transitions to the terminal-link situation, supporting the matching relation.
    • In the terminal-link situation, peck ratios deviated from the matching relation towards indifference.
    • Response rates and changeover rates were higher in the terminal-link situation compared to the initial-link situation.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings support defining reinforcement as situation transition, particularly in the initial-link scenario.
    • Performance differences between the two situations suggest that changeover delay effects are modulated by the overall reinforcing value of alternatives.
    • Contextual factors significantly influence choice behavior and the application of the matching law.

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