Abstract
Pigeons were studied on multiple variable-ratio yoked-variable-interval schedules in which components had equal rates of food reinforcement and appeared equally often on each of two keys. Interpolated between component changes on the final multiple schedule were 10-sec probes in which both schedule stimuli were present, one on each key. During multiple schedule training, variable-ratio response rates were greater than yoked-variable-interval rates; however, response rate differences in the components were not a function of the mean ratio value for the 40-to-320-ratio range studied. During the choice probes, subjects responded more to the stimulus associated with the interval schedule than to the one associated with the ratio schedule. It was concluded that pigeons prefer interval schedules over equal reinforcement rate ratio schedules, because the former generate fewer responses per reinforcement.
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This research was supported by funds from Biomedical Sciences Support Grant FR-07035 awarded to the University of Iowa by the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Edmon, E.L., Grisham, M.G. Preference for the interval schedule following multiple variable-ratio yoked-variable-interval schedule training. Animal Learning & Behavior 7, 470–472 (1979). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209703
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209703