Abstract
Five pigeons were initially reinforced according to a variable-interval 1-min schedule for pecking during two successively alternating stimuli (line tilts of 0 and +45 deg). When the reinforcement associated with the +45-deg line was later delayed by 2 sec, the rate of responding during that stimulus decreased. The rate of responding during the 0-deg line increased (behavioral contrast). Subsequent generalization testing on the line-tilt continuum revealed a peak or area shift away from the +45-deg line.
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This research was supported by Grant 26-9947 from the University of British Columbia Committee on Research. I wish to thank R. Wong for lending some of the equipment and D. Ramer for assistance in running the Ss.
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Wilkie, D.M. The peak shift and behavioral contrast: Effects of discrimination training with delayed reinforcement. Psychon Sci 26, 257–258 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328610
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328610