Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
08:30
Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats
Published on: February 15, 2015
20.9K
Reinforcer value may change within experimental sessions.
F K McSweeney1, J N Weatherly, S Swindell
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University, 99164-4820, Pullman, WA, fkmcs@mail.wsu.edu.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|November 12, 2013
Summary
Reinforcer value changes within operant conditioning sessions. This study in pigeons suggests habituation to the reinforcer explains these behavioral shifts, offering a unified theory for within-session changes in responding across species and tasks.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Animal behavior
- Operant conditioning
Background:
- Response rates in operant conditioning often change significantly within sessions.
- It is unclear if the value of the reinforcer itself changes during these sessions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether reinforcer value changes within sessions during operant conditioning.
- To determine if changes in reinforcer value are related to the rate of reinforcer delivery.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons were trained to peck keys for reinforcers (mixed grain and wheat).
- The relative rates of responding for two different reinforcers were measured.
- Mixed grain was delivered at high or low rates throughout the session.
Main Results:
- The relative value of the reinforcer changed significantly within sessions when mixed grain was delivered at high rates.
- No significant changes in relative reinforcer value were observed when mixed grain was delivered at low rates.
Conclusions:
- Habituation to the reinforcer is the most probable explanation for the observed changes in reinforcer value.
- Habituation may offer a unified explanation for within-session behavioral changes observed in various species and tasks.
More Related Videos
07:50A Method for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol in Rats without Water Deprivation, Saccharin Fading or Extended Access Training
Published on: January 29, 2017
9.4K
08:29Reinstatement of Drug-seeking in Mice Using the Conditioned Place Preference Paradigm
Published on: June 7, 2018
10.9K
Related Concept Videos
01:24Reinforcement Schedules
743
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,...
743
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
1.8K
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...
1.8K
01:23Reinforcement
1.2K
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:
1.2K
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
948
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...
948
01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
2.2K
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...
2.2K
01:21Operant Conditioning
2.7K
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...
2.7K