The role of the response-reinforcer relation in delay-of-reinforcement effects

Article Abstract:

Pigeons undertook a two-key task to study the role of response-reinforcer relation in sustaining operant behavior during delayed reinforcement. A tandem variable-interval differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior schedule was used in reinforcing the response of the pigeons on one key. Results showed big differences in response rates between the two keys. It was also noted that rates were higher on the key correlated with the delay-of-reinforcement procedure. These are indications that response-reinforcer relation is the primary cause of responding when responding is acquired and regulated through delayed reinforcement.

Operant behavior

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Response persistence under ratio and interval reinforcement schedules

Article Abstract:

Schedules of reinforcement have been classified widely as involving response or time-plus-response needs for reinforcement. Response needs include different kinds of ratio schedules while time-plus-response needs include different kinds of interval schedules. An experiment involving rats and another involving pigeons were conducted to investigate comparisons of ratio and interval schedule performance. Results of both studies suggest that response maintained by a progressive ratio schedule was less persistent than that maintained by a comparable interval schedule.

Case studies, Animal experimentation, Animal behavior, Stimulus generalization, Rats as laboratory animals, Laboratory rats

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Resistance to change of operant variation and repetition

Article Abstract:

Research with pigeon pecks in a multiple chained schedule suggest operant variation resists disruption more than operant repetition. Theories of response strength need to consider factors besides reinforcement rate to retain their relevance.

United States, Statistical Data Included

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