Free-operant performance on variable interval schedules with a linear feedback loop: no evidence for molar sensitivities in rats.
Four experiments examined rats' sensitivity to molar and molecular factors on instrumental schedules of reinforcement. Rats were exposed to a variable interval schedule with a positive feedback loop (VI+), such that faster responding led to a shorter interreinforcement interval. In Experiments 1 and 2, rats responded faster on a variable response (VR) schedule than on either a VI schedule matched for reinforcement rate or a VI+ schedule matched for the feedback function. In Experiment 3, rats responded no differently on a VI schedule than they did on a VI+ schedule with equated rates of reinforcement. In Experiment 4, rats responded faster on a VI+ schedule with an interresponse time requirement yoked to that experienced on a VR schedule, than on a VI+ schedule with the same feedback function as the VR schedule. Taken together these results suggest that rats are more sensitive to the molecular than the molar properties of the schedules.
Reed
P
P
Department of Psychology, University College London, United Kingdom. p.reed@ucl.ac.uk
Soh
M
M
Hildebrandt
T
T
DeJongh
J
J
Shek
W Y
WY
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000502:physiology*; D005246:Feedback; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013997:Time Factors