Abstract
Pigeons’ keypecking was reinforced by food on baseline schedules of multiple variable interval (VI)x VIx and on contrast schedules of multiple VIx VIy. Deprivation of food was varied by maintaining subjects at 75%, 85%, and 95% (±2%) of their free-feeding weights. Positive and negative behavioral contrast were observed. The size of the contrast was not systematically altered by changes in deprivation. Positive and negative contrast were both larger later in the session than they were earlier. Withinsession decreases in responding were steeper for the baseline than for the contrast schedules for positive contrast. Within-session decreases were steeper for the contrast than for the baseline schedules for negative contrast. These results were predicted by the idea that different amounts of habituation to the reinforcer during the baseline and contrast schedules contribute to behavioral contrast. The results show that contrast occurs under conditions that reduce the effect of the following component. The results support the assumption that positive and negative contrast are produced by symmetrical theoretical variables.
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The conduct of these experiments and the preparation of this article were partially supported by Grant RO1 MH6170 from the National Institute of Mental Health to F.K.M. Some of the results were part of a dissertation submitted in partial completion of a Ph.D. degree by S.S.
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McSweeney, F.K., Swindell, S., Murphy, E.S. et al. The relation of multiple-schedule behavioral contrast to deprivation, time in session, and within-session changes in responding. Animal Learning & Behavior 32, 190–201 (2004). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03196020
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03196020