The effect of food deprivation on self-control

Two experiments examined the effect of food deprivation on choice in a discrete-trials self-control paradigm, choice between a larger, more-delayed reinforcer and a smaller, less-delayed reinforcer. In Experiment 1, four pigeons were each deprived to 65%, 80%, and 90% of their free-feeding weights, and the delay to the smaller reinforcer was varied. Deprivation level did not affect choice, but the rate of ineffective key pecks made during the reinforcer delays increased as deprivation increased. In Experiment 2, four pigeons were exposed to conditions in which they were fed up to their 80% free-feeding weights following experimental sessions, and in which they were given no postsession feedings. Both the pigeons' weights and their latencies to insert their heads into the food hopper when food was available were lower when the pigeons were not fed following experimental sessions. Choice showed no change. Deprivation level affects response rate and eating behavior in these procedures, but not choice.