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Published on: June 2, 2014
Matching with a key-peck response in concurrent negative reinforcement schedules
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Pigeons matched their behavior to the availability of shock-free time, demonstrating choice behavior under negative reinforcement. These findings suggest common principles govern both positive and negative reinforcement schedules.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal behavior studies
- Operant conditioning
Background:
- Pigeons were exposed to shock under a variable-time schedule.
- Key pecks could provide one minute of shock-free time.
- This setup involved concurrent variable-interval schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pigeons' choice behavior under negative reinforcement.
- To determine if pigeons match their responses to the frequency of shock-free periods.
- To compare choice behavior under negative versus positive reinforcement.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons' responses on two keys were studied.
- The relative frequency of shock-free periods was manipulated.
- Response rates and time allocation were measured.
Main Results:
- Pigeons matched relative response rates to the frequency of shock-free periods.
- Pigeons allocated their time in proportion to shock-free period availability.
- Linear regression showed over 95% variance explained for both measures.
Conclusions:
- Pigeons' behavior under negative reinforcement follows matching laws.
- Reinforcement can be viewed as a transition to a better situation.
- Common behavioral principles likely govern both positive and negative reinforcement.
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01:23Reinforcement
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01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
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01:27Punishment
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01:21Operant Conditioning
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