Abstract
Ten pigeons were given extended training with VI 60-sec reinforcement contingent upon keypecking at a 555-nm stimulus in an otherwise darkened chamber with white noise present. After attainment of response rate stability, 30 sessions of successive discrimination training were run, with VI 60-sec reinforcement still signaled by the stimulus conditions indicated above, while an unilluminated response key, a houselight and a 1000-Hz tone signaled extinction. Most subjects showed little tendency to respond to S−, yet all but one subject clearly showed positive behavioral contrast. The magnitude of the contrast effect was not systematically related to either the absolute level or to the pattern of responding during the nonreinforced stimulus.
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This research was supported by NIH Research Grant HD-03486 and Training Grant MH-10427 under the direction of David R. Thomas.
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Welker, R.L., Hickis, C.F., Thomas, D.R. et al. An analysis of the relationship between behavioral contrast and responding to S− in successive discrimination learning. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 5, 205–208 (1975). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03337604
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03337604