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Substitution effects in a generalized token economy with pigeons
Leonardo F Andrade1, Timothy D Hackenberg2
1Westfield State University.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|December 22, 2016
Summary
Pigeons preferred generalized tokens over specific ones in a token economy. They substituted generalized tokens for more expensive specific tokens, demonstrating their utility in assessing commodity demand.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Animal Cognition
Background:
- Token economies are used to study choice behavior.
- Reinforcer-specific and generalized tokens have distinct functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pigeon choices between specific and generalized tokens.
- To assess the demand for and substitution among multiple commodities in a laboratory setting.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons made choices in a closed token economy with specific (food/water) and generalized (food/water) tokens.
- Token production and exchange were studied under varying prices and commodity availability.
Main Results:
- Pigeons preferred generalized tokens when prices were low and equal.
- Pigeons increased generalized token use and decreased specific token production when specific token prices rose.
- Token production persisted even when commodities were freely available outside sessions.
Conclusions:
- Generalized tokens maintain sustained functions in token economies.
- Token-economic methods are effective for studying demand and substitution for multiple commodities.
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