Choice between sequences of fixed-ratio schedules: effects of ratio values and probability of food delivery

Pigeons were exposed to schedules of food delivery that consisted of two sequential fixed ratios. When alternative sequences provided two food deliveries per 50 responses, the schedule with the shorter initial fixed-ratio value was consistently preferred. Progressively reducing from 1.0 to .25 the probability of food delivery following completion of the second fixed ratio of the sequence with the shorter initial fixed ratio did not reduce preference for this sequence. Moreover, the sequence with the shorter initial fixed ratio also was preferred when the probability of food delivery following completion of the initial ratio in that sequence was progressively reduced from 1.0 to .5, although preference shifted to the alternative when the probability was reduced to 0. These findings suggest that the length of the initial fixed ratio was a primary determinant of choice. Subsequent manipulations demonstrated, however, that when the initial fixed ratios of the two alternatives were equal, changes in the ratio value and probability of food delivery following completion of the second fixed ratio lawfully affected choice.