Concurrent second-order schedules of reinforcement.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Operant Conditioning
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• The matching relation accurately predicts choice behavior under simple concurrent variable-interval schedules.
• Complex schedules, such as second-order schedules, may alter the predictability of choice behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine pigeons' choice behavior under concurrent second-order variable-interval schedules.
• To investigate the influence of signaled versus unsignaled fixed-interval components on choice.
• To determine if the matching relation extends to these complex schedules.

Main Methods:

• Pigeons responded on two keys in a concurrent operant chamber.
• A main key produced food under a second-order variable-interval schedule with fixed-interval components.
• A changeover key alternated main key colors and initiated a second independent second-order variable-interval schedule.

Main Results:

• Response rates and time allocation deviated from reinforcement rates under both signaled and unsignaled conditions.
• Matching was observed only when fixed-interval components were equal.
• Unequal components led to a preference for the schedule with the shorter fixed interval.
• This preference was stronger when the fixed interval was signaled by a brief stimulus.

Conclusions:

• The matching relation does not fully extend to concurrent second-order variable-interval schedules.
• The presence or absence of a brief stimulus signaling the fixed interval significantly impacts choice behavior.
• Shorter fixed-interval components exert a stronger influence on choice, particularly when signaled.