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Concurrent variable-interval schedule performance: Fixed versus mixed reinforcer durations.

M Davison, I Hogsden

    Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    |March 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Pigeon behavior on concurrent schedules shows that reinforcer duration significantly impacts response allocation. The generalized matching law accurately predicts behavior when schedules vary but struggles with differing reinforcer durations.

    Area of Science:

    • Behavioral psychology
    • Animal behavior studies
    • Operant conditioning

    Background:

    • Concurrent variable-interval schedules are used to study choice behavior.
    • Reinforcer duration is a critical factor influencing response allocation.
    • The generalized matching law is a prominent model for predicting choice behavior.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of varying reinforcer durations on pigeon response allocation in concurrent schedules.
    • To evaluate the applicability of the generalized matching law under conditions of differing reinforcer durations.
    • To explore the relationship between response allocation and reinforcer-duration ratios.

    Main Methods:

    • Six pigeons were trained on concurrent variable-interval schedules with manipulated reinforcer durations.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Experiments involved varying probabilities of different reinforcer durations and altering reinforcer durations.
  • Response allocation to different keys was measured under controlled conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Response allocation decreased as the probability of shorter reinforcer durations increased.
    • Response allocation increased with longer varied reinforcer durations on one key.
    • The generalized matching law provided a good fit when schedules varied but not when reinforcer durations differed.
    • A nonlinear relationship was observed between log response and reinforcer-duration ratios.

    Conclusions:

    • Varying reinforcer durations in concurrent schedules present challenges for the generalized matching law with constant parameters.
    • The generalized matching law may not adequately describe performance when reinforcing situations or response requirements differ in duration.
    • Further research is needed to refine quantitative models of choice behavior under complex reinforcement schedules.