Abstract
Three groups of rats underwent 24 days of training and 12 days of extinction (three trials per day) in a runway under conditions of increasing (I), decreasing (D), and random (R) sequences of reward magnitudes (0, 45, and 500 mg). The I Ss ran faster over the daily trials, the D Ss slowed down, and the R Ss ran at approximately equal speeds on each trial. The patterned running observed in training persisted in extinction, with the R Ss running fastest and the I Ss next. The results were discussed in terms of Capaldi’s sequential theory and Amsel’s frustration theory.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Amsel, A. Behavioral habituation, counterconditioning and a general theory of persistence. In A. H. Black and W. F. Prokasy (Eds.).Classical conditioning II: Current theory and research. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1972
Bowen, J. Effect of ascending, descending, and irregular order of varied reward magnitude. Psychonomic Science, 1968, 12, 209–210.
Boyer, W. N., Russin, R.. & Cross, H. A. Extinction in a straight alley as a function of varied quality and quantity of reward sequence. Psychonomic Science, 1971, 23, 92–93.
Campbell, P. E. Sequences of delayed reward and extinction confinement: Effects of pattern running and extinction performance. Psychonomic Science, 1969, 17, 34–35.
Capaldi, E. J. A sequential hypothesis of instrumental learning. In K. W. Spence and J. T. Spence (Eds.).The psychology of learning and motivation. Vol. 1. New York: Academic Press, 1967.
Capaldi, E. J. An analysis of the role of reward and reward magnitude in instrumental learning. In J. H. Reynierse (Ed.).Current issues in animal learning. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1970.
Capaldi, E. J., Godbout, R. C. & Ksir, C. A comparison of two delay of reward procedures, pre-reinforcement delay vs post-reinforcement delay. Psychonomic Science, 1968, 13, 279–280.
Leonard, D. W. Amount and sequence of reward in partial and continuous reinforcement. Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology, 1969a. 67, 204–211.
Leonard, D. W. Varied reward sequence and resistance to extinction in the straight alley. Psychonomic Science, 1969b. 16, 129–130.
Leonard, D. W., Albin, R.. & Lebowitz, M. Performance under massed or spaced extinction following different sequences of varied reward training. Psvchonomic Science, 1969, 16, 130–132.
Mackintosh, N. J.. & Little, L. Effects of different patterns of reinforcement on performance under massed and spaced extinction. Psychonomic Science, 1970, 20, 1–2.
Russin, R., Boyer, W. N.. & Cross, H. A. Extinction as a function of varied quality and quantity of reward sequence in a straight alley. Psychonomic Science, 1970, 21, 274–275.
Spivey, J. E.. & Hess, D. T. Effect of partial reinforcement trial sequences on extinction performance. Psychonomic Science, 1968, 10, 375–376.
Wike, E. L.Data analysis A statistical primer for psychology-students. Chicago Aldine-Atherton, 1971.
Wike, E. L.. & Atwood, M. E. The effects of sequences of reward magnitude, delay, and delay-box confinement upon runway performance. Psychological Record, 1970, 20, 51–56.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported by a grant from the General Research I und of the University of Kansas.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wike, E.L., King, D.D. Sequences of reward magnitude and runway performance. Animal Learning & Behavior 1, 175–178 (1973). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03199069
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03199069