Work

Aftereffects of the surprising presentation and omission of appetitive reinforcers on key-pecking performance in pigeons.

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: The reinforcement-omission effect (ROE), also known as frustration effect, refers to greater response strength immediately after nonreinforcement (N) than reinforcement (R). The ROE was traditionally interpreted as transient invigoration after N induced by primary frustration. Pigeons demonstrate similar ROEs whether outcomes are surprising (partial R) or expected (discrimination training) in runway (Experiment 1) and Skinner box situations (Experiments 2-3). Variations in the interval between N and the opportunity to respond indicate that the ROE results from an aftereffect of food consumption (Experiment 4). Increasing reinforcer magnitude increased the after-R effect, without modifying the after-N function (Experiment 5). These results are reviewed in the context of comparative research on spaced-trial successive negative contrast and related phenomena that have failed to appear in experiments involving nonmammalian vertebrates.

Source: Journal of Experimental Psychology Animal Behavior Processes

DOI: 10.1037//0097-7403.28.3.242

Authors: Steven C. Stout, Rubén N. Muzio, Robert L. Boughner, Mauricio R. Papini

Institutions: Texas Christian University, Universidad de Buenos Aires

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral and Psychological Studies

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Public Health Service, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: G1200155532, G8443082371