Procrastination by pigeons: preference for larger, more delayed work requirements

Article Abstract:

Three experiments had pigeons choosing between alternatives requiring the fulfillment of a small ratio schedule early in the trial or a larger ratio schedule later in the trial. Completion did not immediately result in a reinforcer but simply permitted the continuation of the events of the trial. These experiments demonstrated the act of procrastination, which is defined as the choice of a larger but more delayed response requirement.

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Procrastination by pigeons with fixed-interval response requirements

Article Abstract:

The phenomenon of procrastination by pigeons was examined through two experiments. The investigation was conducted by analyzing pigeons' choices between two different fixed-interval response requirements, a larger delayed response requirements and a smaller more immediate response requirement. Results reveal that delayed response requirements and delayed reinforcers, although symmetrical, have opposite effects on choice.

Choice (Psychology)

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Effects of reinforcer probability, delay, and response requirements on the choices of rats and pigeons: Possible species differences

Article Abstract:

The experiments conducted on choice with delayed and probabilistic reinforcers among pigeons and rats are compared. The results suggest differences in the overall effects of decreasing probability of reinforcement on choice, the effects of delay-interval stimuli, effects of intertrial interval (ITI) duration, and effects of ratio requirements.

Analysis, Probabilities, Probability theory, Psychological research, Stimuli (Psychology)

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