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Line-orientation generalization following signalled-reinforcer training
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Introducing a signaled-reinforcer procedure altered pigeon behavior, reducing response rates in one condition while sometimes increasing it in another. This procedure also affected generalization gradients, suggesting it segments variable-interval schedules.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Animal Cognition
- Operant Conditioning
Background:
- Pigeons were trained on a multiple variable-interval schedule with distinct visual stimuli.
- A signaled-reinforcer procedure was introduced, altering stimulus conditions when reinforcement was available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a signaled-reinforcer procedure on pigeon key pecking behavior.
- To examine behavioral contrast and generalization gradients under signaled and unsignaled reinforcement conditions.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons (naive and nonnaive) were exposed to a multiple variable-interval schedule.
- A signaled-reinforcer procedure was implemented, followed by re-instatement of unsignaled conditions.
- Line orientation generalization tests were conducted.
Main Results:
- The signaled-reinforcer procedure reduced response rates in the signaled component for all subjects.
- Behavioral contrast was observed in two naive subjects during the unsignaled component.
- Generalization gradients showed peak shift and area shift in most subjects.
Conclusions:
- The signaled-reinforcer procedure appears to segment variable-interval schedules into distinct phases.
- The data suggest a complex interplay between reinforcement signaling, behavioral contrast, and stimulus generalization.
- No clear relationship was found between behavioral contrast and the observed generalization shifts.
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