Rats' performance on variable-interval schedules with a linear feedback loop between response rate and reinforcement rate.
Three experiments investigated whether rats are sensitive to the molar properties of a variable-interval (VI) schedule with a positive relation between response rate and reinforcement rate (i.e., a VI+ schedule). In Experiment 1, rats responded faster on a variable ratio (VR) schedule than on a VI+ schedule with an equivalent feedback function. Reinforced interresponse times (IRTs) were shorter on the VR as compared to the VI+ schedule. In Experiments 2 and 3, there was no systematic difference in response rates maintained by a VI+ schedule and a VI schedule yoked in terms of reinforcement rate. This was found both when the yoking procedure was between-subject (Experiment 2) and within-subject (Experiment 3). Mean reinforced IRTs were similar on both the VI+ and yoked VI schedules, but these values were more variable on the VI+ schedule. These results provided no evidence that rats are sensitive to the feedback function relating response rate to reinforcement rate on a VI+ schedule.
Reed
Phil
P
Department of Psychology, University College London, United Kingdom. p.reed@ucl.ac.uk
Hildebrandt
Tom
T
DeJongh
Julie
J
Soh
Mariane
M
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005246:Feedback; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule