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Related Experiment Videos

Within-session changes in the VI response function: separating food density from elapsed session time

L S Campbell1, J D Dougan

  • 1Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington 61702, USA.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|July 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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Food density, not session time, significantly alters the variable-interval response function in rats. This finding clarifies previous research on reinforcement schedules and response rates.

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Operant Conditioning

Background:

  • Previous research on variable-interval schedules confounded session time with food density.
  • Understanding the variable-interval response function is crucial for behavioral analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To independently manipulate session time and food density.
  • To isolate the effects of these variables on the variable-interval response function.

Main Methods:

  • Experiment 1: Rats (n=7) responded on variable-interval schedules with manipulated food density and constant session time.
  • Experiment 2: Rats (n=8) responded on variable-interval schedules with constant food density and manipulated session time.
  • Food density was altered via presession feeding; session time was manipulated using timeouts.

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Main Results:

  • Changes in food density significantly altered the form of the variable-interval response function.
  • Elapsed session time, when independent of food density, did not affect the response function.
  • Food density was identified as a key determinant of the variable-interval response function's form.

Conclusions:

  • Food density is a critical factor influencing the variable-interval response function.
  • This study clarifies the variables responsible for variations in the empirical form of the function.
  • Findings extend previous analyses of reinforcement schedules and response rates.