Suboptimal choice and initial-link requirement

Pigeons (n = 14) were trained in a concurrent-chains suboptimal choice procedure that tested the effect of an increased ratio requirement in the initial links. Fixed-ratio 1 and 25 conditions were manipulated within subjects in a counterbalanced order. In all conditions, distinct terminal-link stimuli on a suboptimal alternative signaled either primary reinforcement (20% of the time) or extinction (80% of the time). On an optimal alternative, two distinct terminal-link stimuli each signaled a 50% chance of primary reinforcement. Preference for the suboptimal alternative was significantly attenuated, and in some birds completely reversed, by the larger response requirement irrespective of condition order. This larger response requirement also generated a notable increase in between-subject variability. A measure of cumulative choice responding is introduced to mitigate the problems associated with traditional session averages. Ordinal predictions of some current theories of suboptimal choice are also considered in light of the results.