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The puzzle of responding maintained by response-contingent shock
M T Laurence1, P N Hineline, P J Bersh
1Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study on squirrel monkeys challenges the positive reinforcement interpretation of shock-maintained behavior. Findings suggest that response-contingent shock is better explained by aversive control, not positive reinforcement.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Response-contingent electric shock is often studied as a form of positive reinforcement.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the reinforcing properties of shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reinforcing function of response-contingent electric shock in squirrel monkeys.
- To examine whether shock functions as a positive reinforcer or is better explained by aversive control.
Main Methods:
- Four squirrel monkeys were exposed to a fixed-interval schedule of shock delivery.
- Additional contingencies were introduced, where response spacing influenced shock delivery.
- Response rates were analyzed under conditions requiring wider or closer response spacing for shock.
Main Results:
- Response rates accelerated when shocks were contingent on wider response spacing.
- Response rates decelerated or ceased when shocks were contingent on closer response spacing.
- These outcomes contradict predictions based on positive reinforcement.
Conclusions:
- The findings question the positive reinforcement interpretation of shock-maintained behavior.
- Results are more consistent with aversive control interpretations of shock-maintained behavior.
- Further research applying these procedures to other forms of shock-maintained behavior is warranted.
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