Abstract
When the pigeons are trained with a multiple variable time (VT) 30-sec VT 60-sec EXT (30-60-EXT) schedule with key colors A, B, and C (respectively), response to A is greater than response to B, and response to B is greater than response to C. When the birds are switched to multiple VT 60-sec VT 60-sec VT 60-sec (60-60-60) with A, B, and C, response to A and B falls to the level previously seen for C. The Wagner-Rescorla model predicts this pattern of results. The model also predicts no decrement in response to B if the switch is to 60-60 training with A and B only (omitting C). The present experiment showed a severe decrement of keypecking in 60-60 with A and B, equivalent to that seen in 60-60-60 with A, B, and C. Other explanations of the performance-failure appear necessary. An alternative description of VT-VT schedules, that they contain no signal for no reward, is considered in terms of the notion that no-reward periods are necessary for the elimination of behaviors that compete with keypecking.
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Brandon, S.E. A test of the Wagner-Rescorla model’s prediction of no response decrement in a nondifferential following a differential schedule of reinforcement. Animal Learning & Behavior 12, 137–141 (1984). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213132
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213132