Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
12:12
Irrelevant Stimuli and Action Control: Analyzing the Influence of Ignored Stimuli via the Distractor-Response Binding Paradigm
Published on: May 14, 2014
Response-reinforcer relations and resistance to change
Christopher A Podlesnik1, Timothy A Shahan
1Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA. capodlesnik@cc.usu.edu
Behavioural Processes
|August 21, 2007
Summary
Behavioral momentum theory explains how response-reinforcer and stimulus-reinforcer relations affect behavior. Degrading response-reinforcer relations had a small impact on resistance to change, less than stimulus-reinforcer relations.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal behavior studies
- Learning theory
Background:
- Behavioral momentum theory posits distinct roles for response-reinforcer and stimulus-reinforcer relations.
- Response-reinforcer relations are theorized to influence response rates.
- Stimulus-reinforcer relations are theorized to influence resistance to change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how degrading response-reinforcer relations affects resistance to change.
- To compare the effects of response-independent versus delayed reinforcers on resistance to change.
- To examine these effects under conditions of equal stimulus-reinforcer relations.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments using pigeons were conducted within multiple schedule paradigms.
- Experiment 1 compared immediate reinforcement with added response-independent or delayed reinforcers.
- Experiment 2 compared immediate reinforcement with degraded response-reinforcer relations (response-independent or delayed).
Main Results:
- In Experiment 1, added reinforcers (better stimulus-reinforcer relations) increased resistance to disruption.
- Resistance to disruption did not differ between response-independent and delayed reinforcement conditions.
- Experiment 2 indicated that degrading response-reinforcer relations had a small, inconsistent effect on resistance to disruption.
Conclusions:
- Degrading response-reinforcer relations can impact resistance to change, but the effect is relatively small.
- The specific method of degrading the response-reinforcer relation (response-independent vs. delayed) did not yield differential effects.
- Stimulus-reinforcer relations appear to exert a stronger influence on resistance to change than response-reinforcer relations.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Reinforcement
Positive and negative reinforcement are key concepts in operant conditioning, a learning process where the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
01:21Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
01:24Reinforcement Schedules
Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
Once a behavior is learned,...
Once a behavior is learned,...
01:06Law of Effect
B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...