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Published on: May 14, 2019
Contingent stimuli signal subsequent reinforcer ratios
Nathalie Boutros1, Michael Davison, Douglas Elliffe
1The University of Auckland. ntboutros@ucsd.edu
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|July 19, 2011
Summary
This study investigated conditioned reinforcer effects in pigeons. Results suggest that conditioned reinforcers act as discriminative stimuli, guiding behavior by signaling reward probability, rather than directly strengthening responses.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal cognition
Background:
- Conditioned reinforcer effects are debated, with theories suggesting they stem from discriminative or strengthening properties.
- Previous research showed mixed results depending on the experimental environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of discriminative properties in conditioned reinforcer effects.
- To test if nonredundant informative stimuli in a steady-state environment elicit conditioned reinforcement.
Main Methods:
- Six pigeons were trained in a steady-state concurrent schedule procedure.
- Response-contingent red keylight illuminations signaled differential food delivery likelihood.
- Choice responding post-stimulus was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Pigeons reliably chose the alternative signaled by the red keylight.
- This effect was stronger after extended exposure to the informative stimulus.
- The findings support the discriminative role of conditioned reinforcers.
Conclusions:
- Conditioned reinforcer effects are primarily mediated by the stimulus' discriminative properties.
- Informative stimuli, even in steady-state environments, can function as conditioned reinforcers.
- This research refines our understanding of associative learning mechanisms.
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