Work

Preference for Conditioned Reinforcement

Year: 1991

Type: article

Abstract: Pigeons were presented with a concurrent-chains schedule in which both choice alternatives led to the same terminal-link stimulus, which was followed by food. Superimposed on the food-reinforced presentations of the terminal-link stimulus was a second schedule of presentations of the same stimulus that were followed by no food. The absolute number of these no-food stimulus presentations was held constant while their relative frequency assigned to one or the other choice alternative was systematically varied. Preference for a given choice alternative tracked the relative frequency of these stimulus presentations, thus demonstrating that they served as reinforcers. These results resolve conflicts in the literature regarding the effect of conditioned reinforcement on choice.

Source: Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

DOI: 10.1901/jeab.1991.55-37

Authors: Ben A. Williams, Roger Dunn

Institutions: San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, San Diego State University, Imperial Valley Campus

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral and Psychological Studies

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: San Diego State University, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: CONTEXT EFFECTS ON REINFORCEMENT, G2798125793, G550057818, ASSESSING THE VALUE OF CONDITIONED REINFORCERS