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Is matching compatible with reinforcement maximization on concurrent variable interval variable ratio?

R J Herrnstein, G M Heyman

    Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    |March 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Pigeons on concurrent schedules demonstrated matching behavior, but not reinforcement maximization. They favored different schedules based on measurement, losing potential rewards.

    Area of Science:

    • Behavioral psychology
    • Animal behavior studies
    • Operant conditioning

    Background:

    • Concurrent schedules of reinforcement are fundamental in studying choice behavior.
    • Understanding how animals allocate responses between simultaneously available options is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate pigeon behavior on concurrent variable interval (VI) and variable ratio (VR) schedules.
    • To determine if pigeons maximize reinforcement under these conditions.
    • To analyze biases in response allocation based on different behavioral measures.

    Main Methods:

    • Four pigeons were exposed to concurrent VI-VI and VI-VR schedules.
    • Behavioral measures included time spent responding and frequency of pecking.
    • Local response rates and alternation rates between schedules were recorded.

    Related Experiment Videos

    Main Results:

    • Pigeons approximated matching, with biases toward VI when time was measured, and VR when pecking frequency was measured.
    • Local response rates were higher on VR, irrespective of overall preference.
    • Matching was incompatible with maximizing total reinforcement given observed rates.

    Conclusions:

    • Pigeon choice behavior on concurrent schedules does not always align with reinforcement maximization.
    • The choice of behavioral measure influences the observed preference between schedules.
    • Matching behavior resulted in a significant loss of potential reinforcements (approx. 60 per hour).