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Stimulus control in fixed ratio matching-to-sample.

D E Mintz, D J Mourer, L S Weinberg

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

|November 1, 1966

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Pigeons on a fixed ratio schedule learned to reduce matching errors as reinforcement approached. Introducing a probe simulating later stages of the ratio cycle further decreased errors, indicating faster learning.

Area of Science:

Behavioral Psychology
Animal Cognition
Operant Conditioning

Background:

Pigeons were trained on a fixed ratio (FR 9) schedule for matching-to-sample tasks.
A vertical array of lights signaled progress through the ratio steps.
Previous research indicates learning curves in operant conditioning.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate error patterns in pigeons during a fixed ratio schedule.
To assess the impact of simulated advanced ratio stages on learning.
To understand how contextual cues influence response accuracy.

Main Methods:

Pigeons (n=5) performed matching-to-sample under an FR 9 schedule.
A light array visually represented completed ratio steps.
Probe trials presented stimuli from later FR stages at the cycle's start.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

Subjects consistently reduced matching errors as reinforcement neared within the FR cycle.
Probe trials, simulating completion of seven FR 9 steps, resulted in significantly fewer errors than early ratio steps.
The presence of advanced ratio cues accelerated error reduction.

Conclusions:

Pigeons demonstrate anticipatory learning and error reduction based on schedule progression.
External cues representing later stages of a fixed ratio schedule can enhance learning efficiency.
This suggests that cognitive factors, not just reinforcement, influence performance in operant conditioning.