Relative and absolute reinforcement frequency as determinants of choice in concurrent variable interval schedules

Rats were trained under concurrent schedules consisting of two equal variable interval component schedules providing sucrose solutions of different concentrations (0.6 M, 0.2 M; 50 microliters in each case) as the reinforcers. The mean interreinforcement interval specified by the schedules was varied from 10 to 640 sec. Absolute response rate in each component was an increasing hyperbolic function of reinforcement frequency. Relative response rate and relative time allocation revealed a consistent preference for the more concentrated solution; neither measure of preference was systematically related to reinforcement frequency. The results are consistent with Baum and Rachlin's (1969) extension of the matching law, and with a derivation of the matching law from the hyperbolic relation between absolute response rate and reinforcement frequency in variable interval schedules (Herrnstein, 1970).