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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:13
A Two-interval Forced-choice Task for Multisensory Comparisons
Published on: November 9, 2018
Choice between fixed-interval schedules: Graded versus step-like choice functions
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Pigeons demonstrated graded choice behavior between food reinforcement schedules, not all-or-none selection. Their choices were sensitive to the differences in fixed-interval schedule durations, impacting reinforcement rates.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Animal behavior studies
- Operant conditioning research
Background:
- Pigeons were trained to choose between two fixed-interval (FI) schedules of food reinforcement.
- Each key press initiated an FI schedule, requiring completion before the next choice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pigeon choice behavior between two concurrent fixed-interval schedules.
- To determine how varying disparities in schedule durations influence choice and reinforcement rates.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons selected between two keys, each linked to a distinct fixed-interval schedule.
- Schedule durations ranged from 15 to 40 seconds across experimental conditions.
- Choice behavior was analyzed based on the relative durations of the two schedules.
Main Results:
- Pigeon choice was not absolute; they did not exclusively select the shorter schedule.
- Relative choice and the rate of initiating schedules varied gradually with the difference in schedule durations.
- Choice ratios were highly sensitive to the ratios of the fixed-interval schedule lengths.
Conclusions:
- Pigeon choice between reinforcement schedules is graded, not binary.
- The magnitude of difference between fixed-interval schedules significantly influences choice behavior and reinforcement efficiency.
- This study highlights the sensitivity of choice behavior to schedule parameters in operant conditioning.
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