Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

An Operant Intra-/Extra-dimensional Set-shift Task for Mice
Published on: January 22, 2016
Reinforcement contingencies as discriminative stimuli
Abstract:
A matching paradigm was used to examine the discriminative properties of two different reinforcement contingencies. Responding according to either a differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate or a differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior schedule produced a choice situation in which each of two keys was illuminated with a unique color. The correct choice response was defined by the contingency that was met to produce the choice. Eighty to 100% correct matching was obtained and recovered during two reversals of the choice stimuli. Introduction of a delay between completion of the reinforcement contingency and presentation of the choice stimuli resulted in decrements in matching performances similar to those obtained when other types of sample stimuli are used. The results provided evidence of the discriminative properties of the relation between behavior and other classes of stimuli.
Related Concept Videos
Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
Associative Learning
Classical conditioning, also known...

