Demarcated response sequences and generalised matching.
The generalised matching law was applied for the first time to sequences of responses. Pigeons responded on dependently arranged two-operandum concurrent schedules in which all four possible two-response sequences on these operanda were demarcated and reinforced. Reinforcer rates for the sequences were varied over a wide range, including extinction. Sequences of responses, rather than individual responses, followed the generalised matching law. We compared single-sensitivity and multiple-sensitivity versions of the generalised matching law. The multiple sensitivities were not significantly different from each other, so the single-sensitivity model provided the more efficient fit. As in previous research, responding was biased against the emission of sequences that required changeovers.
Schneider
Susan M
SM
Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA. schneids@fiu.edu
Davison
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D010856:Columbidae; D007858:Learning