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Preference for multiple versus mixed schedules of reinforcement
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Pigeons showed a preference for different schedules based on time. Shorter initial link durations favored multiple schedules, while longer durations favored mixed schedules, demonstrating time-dependent choice behavior in pigeons.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Animal Cognition
- Operant Conditioning
Background:
- Concurrent-chain procedures are used to study choice behavior and reinforcement schedules.
- Variable-interval schedules involve reinforcement delivery based on time elapsed since the last response.
- Differential stimuli can signal upcoming reinforcement conditions, influencing choice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pigeons' preferences between two concurrent-chain schedules with varying initial link durations.
- To examine the influence of differential stimuli signaling terminal link schedules.
- To determine the effect of terminal link duration on choice behavior.
Main Methods:
- Five pigeons were trained using a concurrent-chain procedure with two initial links leading to different terminal links.
- Terminal links offered variable-interval schedules, with one condition providing differential stimuli and the other lacking them.
- Experiment 1 varied initial link duration while keeping terminal link duration constant; Experiment 2 varied both.
Main Results:
- Pigeons preferred the signaled (multiple) schedule when initial link durations were short.
- Pigeons preferred the unsignaled (mixed) schedule when initial link durations were longer.
- The duration of the terminal links did not systematically affect choice behavior.
Conclusions:
- Choice behavior in pigeons under concurrent-chain schedules is sensitive to the duration of initial links.
- The presence or absence of differential stimuli significantly impacts preference depending on initial link duration.
- Pigeons' decision-making processes adapt based on the temporal characteristics of the reinforcement opportunities.
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