Operant conditioning of EMG activity using cigarette puffs as a reinforcer

This study was a test of an operant conditioning model of cravings. The model posits that smoking or opportunity to smoke may reinforce physiological reactions to cigarette deprivation that are typically labeled as cravings. More specifically, the rate and amplitude of a physiological response (EMG activity) can be modified, and brought under stimulus control, using cigarette puffs as a reinforcer. Three adult smokers, who were deceived as to the purpose of the study, served as subjects. Three subjects were exposed to two conditions: baseline and response-contingent tone and puff. A single subject reversal design was used. Two of the three subjects showed conditioning effects with the mean level of EMG responding and rate of criterion responding in the response-contingent condition exceeding baseline levels of responding. For one of these subjects, two additional control conditions were used. Responding in the response-contingent condition was higher than in either control condition. The need for replication and extension of the present procedures are discussed.