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Related Experiment Videos

Preference between variable-ratio and fixed-ratio schedules: local and extended relations

D P Field1, F Tonneau, W Ahearn

  • 1Temple University, Department of Psychology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|November 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Pigeons prefer variable reinforcement schedules over fixed ones. Their choice depends on the smallest ratio in the variable schedule, aligning with models of delayed reinforcement.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Animal behavior studies

Background:

  • Pigeons and other species often prefer variable schedules of reinforcement over fixed schedules.
  • The precise nature of this preference and its controlling factors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pigeons' choices between concurrently available fixed-ratio and variable-ratio schedules.
  • To assess how variations in the variable-ratio schedule components influence preference.

Main Methods:

  • Pigeons repeatedly chose between fixed-ratio (FR 30) and variable-ratio (VR) schedules.
  • The smallest and largest components of the VR schedule were systematically varied, while the mean VR remained constant at 60.
  • The experiment involved multiple phases with different VR component ranges.

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Main Results:

  • Pigeons' choices of the VR schedule correlated with the size of its smallest component.
  • A minimum VR component close to 1 led to a strong preference for the VR schedule.
  • Increasing the minimum VR component decreased the preference for the VR schedule.

Conclusions:

  • Pigeons' choices are sensitive to the minimum ratio within a variable schedule.
  • Behavior is consistent with Mazur's hyperbolic model of delayed reinforcement.
  • Pigeon choices approximate maximizing reinforcement value.