title: On the dynamics of behavior allocation between simultaneously and successively available reinforcer sources.
abstract: The assumption of constant rates of extraneous reinforcement during changes in explicit reinforcer rates made by Herrnstein (1970) must logically be incorrect. An alternative theory that suggests constant extraneous-schedule values, rather than reinforcer rates, is suggested. In a test of this theory, six pigeons were trained on multiple variable-interval schedules with either no alternative reinforcers available, or with various variable-ratio or variable-interval schedules of reinforcement arranged concurrently, in 26 experimental conditions. A modification of McLean and White's (1983) multiple-schedule model that assumed a constant extraneous variable-ratio schedule fitted the obtained data, and those from two previous experiments, well. However, the model is dynamic, and allows the subject a range of adaptations to variations in arranged reinforcer rates. It is argued that this range of adaptations is both appropriate and necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davison