Abstract
The effects of signaled reward were examined using DRL and DRH schedules of reinforcement. In each case, one group of rats received a brief cue between the reinforced response and the reward, and a second group received brief cues at random times. With the DRL schedule (Experiment 1), signaled reward decreased response rate, increased response efficiency (number of responses per reinforcer), and increased resistence to satiation relative to the control group. With the DRH schedule (Experiment 2), signaled reward increased response rate, efficiency, and resistance to satiation. These results refute an overshadowing explanation of the effects of signaled reward and suggest that food-correlated cues enhance learning of the reinforcement contingencies.
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These data were reported at the Eastern Psychological Association meetings at Baltimore, MD, in April 1984.
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Tarpy, R.M., Roberts, J.E. Effects of signaled reward in instrumental conditioning: Enhanced learning on DRL and DRH schedules of reinforcement. Animal Learning & Behavior 13, 6–12 (1985). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213358
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03213358