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| #260 Int'l Poster Session - EAB |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 4:30 PM–5:20 PM |
| Exhibit Hall D (Hynes) |
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| 83. Taste Avoidance Induced Wheel Running: Effects of Backward Pairings and Robustness of CTA |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| SARAH JEANNE SALVY (University of Toronto), W. David Pierce (University of Alberta), Donald C. Heth (University of Alberta), James C. Russell (University of Alberta) |
| Abstract: Rats repeatedly exposed to a distinctive novel solution (conditioned stimulus, CS) followed by the opportunity to run in a wheel subsequently drink less of this solution. Investigations on this phenomenon indicate that wheel running is an effective unconditioned stimulus (US) for establishing conditioned taste aversion when pairings are forward (i.e., CS-taste followed by the US-wheel running). However, other studies show that wheel running produces reliable preference for a distinctive place when pairings are backward. One possibility to account for these results is that rewarding aftereffects of wheel running conditioned preference to the CS. The main objective of the present study is to assess the effects of backward pairings wheel running (the US) with consumption of a distinctive taste (the CS). In a between-groups design, two experimental groups (i.e., forward and backward conditioning) and two control groups (CS-alone and CS-US unpaired) were compared. Results from this experiment indicate that there is less suppression of drinking when a CS-taste follows a bout of wheel running. In fact, rats in the backward conditioning group drank more of the paired solution than all the other groups. |
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| 84. Effects of Instructional Specificity and Feedback Density on the Rule Transmission in a Conditional Discrimination Task |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| GERARDO ORTIZ (University of Guadalajara, Mexico) |
| Abstract: The present study is based on the idea that even though instructions and rules are descriptions of particular contingencies, they occur on different times: instructions precede the contact with the contingency, whereas rules are generated after such contact. To evaluate the effects of instructional specificity (specific vs. generic), feedback density (none, continuous, or accumulated) and rule target knowledge on rule transmission, 30 college students were randomly assigned to one of six experimental groups in order to perform a conditional discrimination task (first-order matching to sample). The results show that when the participants follow rules elaborated by other, instructional specificity and feedback density have differential effects on the subject’s performance and specificity and pertinence of the rules elaborated (i.e. rule transmission). |
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| 85. Concurrent Wheel-Running and Sucrose Reinforcement: Effect of Sucrose Concentration Manipulation |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| TERRY W. BELKE (Mount Allison University), Ian Duncan (Mount Allison University) |
| Abstract: Concurrent schedules of wheel-running and sucrose reinforcement were used to assess the relative value of an opportunity to run and the relationship between these two commodities. Ten male Wistar rats were exposed to concurrent VI30 VI30 s schedules of wheel running and sucrose reinforcement. Responding took place on response levers located at the entrance of a running wheel. One lever produced the opportunity to run for 30 s, the other produced a drop of sucrose solution. Sucrose concentration was varied across values of 2.5, 7.5, and 12.5%. Results showed that, on average, at 2.5%, response and time allocation to both alternatives was approximately the same, with equal numbers of obtained reinforcers. As concentration increased, responses and time allocated to, and reinforcers obtained from, the sucrose alternative, increased. Time and responses allocated to the wheel-running alternative decreased, although to a much lesser degree than the magnitude of the change in allocation to the sucrose alternative, however, the number of obtained wheel-running reinforcers remained unchanged. Taken together the results suggest that the value of an opportunity to run was roughly the same as 2.5% sucrose and that changes in the "price" of sucrose had no effect on "consumption" of wheel running. |
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| 86. Concurrent Operants: Choice Behavior of Pigeons in Two Different Experimental Procedures |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JOAO CLAUDIO TODOROV (Pontifical Catholic University of Goias, Brazil), Lauro Eugenio Guimaraes Nalini (Pontifical Catholic University of Goias, Brazil), Lincoln S. Gimenes (University of Brazil), Domingos Savio Coelho (University of Brazil) |
| Abstract: Seven pigeons were submitted to concurrent variable interval, variable interval schedules using two different procedures involving three response keys. In one procedure the center key was the main key, with different colors indicating the schedules of the concurrent pair; changes from schedule A to schedule B were contingent upon pecks on the left side-key, and changes from B to A happened after pecks on the right side-key. In a second procedure, the center key was the changeover key; one schedule of the concurrent pair was assigned to the left response key, the other to the right response key (only one side-key was operative at a time). Except for establishing the opportunity to respond in one schedule or the other, changeover responses had no consequences -- no changeover delay, timeout, blackout, etc. Sensitivity of behavior distribution to changes in reinforcement distribution between the schedules was high and similar to procedures used to prevent high changeover rates. |
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| 87. Verbal Control, Variation, and Sensitivity to Contingency Changes |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JOSELE ABREU-RODRIGUES (University of Brazil), Ana A. Baumann (University of Brazil) |
| Abstract: The present study compared the effects of instructions and self-instructions, variable and specific, upon behavioral sensitivity to contingency changes. In the training phase, college students were exposed to three reinforcement schedules (Variable Group) and to one schedule (Specific Group). In Experiment 1, each one of these groups was divided into three subgroups. Participants in the self-instructions groups were asked to indicate the best way to gain points by choosing among four performance descriptions. These descriptions were given to participants in the instruction groups. Participants in the control groups were only exposed to the reinforcement schedules. In Experiment 2, self-instructed participants were given an open-ended question. After the training phase, all participants were exposed to a FI schedule and to extinction. The greatest behavior sensitivity (reduction in response rate) was observed with the Variable Self-Instruction and Variable Instruction groups than with the Specific Self-Instruction and Specific Instruction groups regardless of whether a multiple-choice or an open-ended question was presented. Participants in the control groups presented inconsistent data. These results suggested that: (a) variable (specific) self-instructions are functionally equivalent to variable (specific) instructions, and (b) variable self-instructions (instructions) promote greater behavioral sensitivity than specific self-instructions (instructions). |
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| 88. A Test of Matching Theory's Interpretation of r-sub-e |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| PAUL L. SOTO (Emory University) |
| Abstract: The present experiment tested a mathematical account of variable-interval (VI) responding known as Herrnstein’s hyperbola (Herrnstein, 1970). Ten rats pressed levers for food on a series of VI schedules. Seven conditions were arranged under each of which, ten VI schedules were arranged on the left lever (target alternative) and a single VI schedule (or extinction) was arranged on the right lever (second alternative). The VI values arranged on the target alternative remained the same across conditions whereas the VI value on the second alternative varied across conditions. Herrnstein’s hyperbola was fitted to the response rate versus reinforcement rate data for each condition, resulting in seven separate fits of the equation for each subject. Obtained estimates of re did not vary systematically as a function of reinforcement obtained on the second alternative as required by Herrnstein’s account. Furthermore, reinforcement on the second alternative was found to vary systematically within a condition as a function of reinforcement on the target alternative, a finding which violates an assumption of Herrnstein’s account that reinforcement extraneous to the target alternative remains constant. Overall, the failure to obtain results consistent with the predictions and assumptions of Herrnstein’s account suggests that the account is false and that applications of the theory to areas such as behavioral pharmacology may be unfounded. |
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| 89. An Experimental Analysis of Antecedents to Habit Behaviors |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| SHAI M. BROSH (Western Michigan University), R. Wayne Fuqua (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: In this study, 10 participants were exposed to a sequence of repeated challenged conditions (passive viewing, low stimulation, and anxiety) while their heart rate was monitored, and while being covertly videotaped. The investigator and an independent rater scored each tape for the occurrence of habit behaviors in each of the experimental conditions. The overall inter-rater reliability was .92. Results showed that the level of habit behaviors was moderate to high during the low stimulation conditions, moderate during the anxiety conditions, and low during the passive viewing conditions. The implications of this research are discussed. |
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| 90. Numeric Relations Emergency Under Conditional Control in Deaf Children |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| GRAUBEN ASSIS (Federal University of Para, Brazil), Ruth Daisy Carmo (Federal University of Para, Brazil), Mariana Miccione (Federal University of Para, Brazil) |
| Abstract: Studies concerned with the formation of ordinal classes have shown success in fostering the comprehension of sequential relations. The aim of this investigation was to achieve similar results with deaf children, using visual cues instead of motor chaining. Through the use of Brazilian Sign Language, the task of each participant was to sign out number names, and figures related to abstract quantities. Five profoundly deaf children, being trained in LIBRAS. The experimental sessions were conducted in a public school. We used a Notebook linked to software developed to collect data. The response chaining procedure was used with three sets of stimuli: A = printed number names, B = numbers in LIBRAS, C = figures. Three response sequences were taught forwards in the presence of a green or red stimulus. Tests were administered to assess asymmetry, transitivity, and equivalence. The results indicated that the participants responded readily, forming ordinal classes, equivalence under conditional control. This study, besides replicating previous results using the chaining procedure, points out the presence of equivalence relations out of the matching-to-sample context, as well as the development of alternative procedures for the remediation of learning difficulties related to the acquisition of mathematic concepts in deaf children. |
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| 91. Anticipatory Eating Behavior and the Development of Eating Disorders |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| ANTONIO LOPEZ-ESPINOZA (University of Guadalajara, Mexico), Hector Martinez Sanchez (University of Guadalajara, Mexico), Alma Martinez (University of Guadalajara, Mexico) |
| Abstract: Six albino rats (8 months old at the start of the experiment) were exposed to two environments. The rats remained during 5, 10, or 15 days in environment A (the rats’ living quarters) with water and food freely available. Then they were moved for five days to environment B (the experimental cage). On the first day in environment B, food and water were freely available; the four later days were days of food and water deprivation. The experiment involved ten cycles of A-B alternation. Results showed that anticipatory binge eating tended to occur on the first day of environment B (before food restriction was introduced). This anticipatory behavior could be analogous to the patterns of feeding observed in migrating and hibernating species, or to the eating behaviors observed when people start a diet. These results could promote a better understanding of the development of eating disorders. |
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| 92. Sucrose Fading Decreases Responding for Ethanol at Large Ratios in Male and Female Rats |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| DIANA POSADAS-SÁNCHEZ (Arizona State University), Mark P. Reilly (Central Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Male (N=6) and female (N=6) Sprague Dawley rats were trained to lick a spout or lever press under fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement which consisted of an ethanol-sucrose (10%/10%) solution. The sucrose concentration was decreased across conditions from 10 to 5, 2 and 0%, and an ascending order of six fixed-ratio schedules was arranged at each concentration. The ratio value doubled each day starting with 4 and ending with 128. The subsequent response-rate functions were modeled with Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement (Killeen & Sitomer, 2003). As the sucrose concentration decreased, response rates were reduced at the highest ratios for both male and female rats. The parameter a in MPR, which represents specific activation (a putative measure of motivation), consequently decreased. These results were consistent across sex and response topography and suggest that ethanol has only modest reinforcing properties in rats relative to sucrose. |
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| 93. Treatment Interventions for Activity-Based Anorexia Using an Animal Model |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| NICOLE J. WILLIAMS (Bryn Mawr College), Paul D. Neuman (Bryn Mawr College) |
| Abstract: These experiments examined recovery time following weight loss, the effect of a history of weight loss on subsequent weight loss, and an intervention designed to eliminate activity-based anorexia (ABA). ABA is behavior characterized by high levels of activity, low levels of food consumption, and extreme weight loss. Different groups of rats were used for each experiment. Baseline always involved free access to food, water, and a locked running wheel for 24 hours daily. In both experiments, following five days of baseline, rats had access to food for one hour per day and access to a running wheel for the remaining 23 hours of the day (the typical ABA procedure). Experiment 1 examined recovery time during a second baseline, and then a return to the ABA procedure. Experiment 2 involved an intervention phase. Following baseline and the ABA procedure access to the running wheel was contingent upon eating adequate amounts of food (average during baseline). After rats lost weight during the ABA procedures, removal from the procedure, produced recovery in 1 to 6 days. Exposure to the ABA procedure did not consistently affect subsequent weight loss when exposed to the procedure a second time. The procedure during Experiment 2 did not eliminate ABA; rats? weights remained low. |
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| 94. Behavioral Correspondence in Pigeons |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| SUSUMU MATSUI (Tokiwa University, Japan), Tetsumi Moriyama (Tokiwa University, Japan) |
| Abstract: Correspondence refers to the relationship between saying and doing. Lattal and Doepke (2001) attempted to construct a homologue of human say-do correspondence with pigeons. In this study, the variable involved in correspondence between behaviors occurring at two different times was examined under a condition which pigeons were trained on a conditional discrimination procedure.In the present study, we replicated the training procedure, which was the most effective in developing correspondence in their study. We also examined the generalization of the correspondence by using the novel color stimuli. As a result, all three pigeons developed the correspondence, and two of them showed the generalized correspondence. The results suggested that the training procedure used in Lattal and Doepke (2001) might be effective in development and generalization of correspondence. |
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| 95. Have Pigeons Engaged in Symbolically Malevolent Behavior? |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| CHRIS M. SCHAUB (Temple University), Claudia D. Cardinal (Temple University), Philip N. Hineline (Temple University) |
| Abstract: In 1997, Andronis, Layng, and Goldiamond reported an experiment entitled "Symbolic Aggression in the Pigeon." Their "perpetrator birds" pecked a switching key that increased the work requirements for "target birds" in an adjacent chamber, even though this resulted in no direct benefit to the perpetrators. Several control procedures supported the designation of "symbolic aggression," whereby the pecking of a key was taken as an arbitrary substitute for directly attacking the other bird. To date, no published experiments have replicated this work.The present follow-up experiment attempts to improve upon the original procedures by eliminating the use of transparent panels, interposed between the two chambers, as switching keys. Those panels may have recorded direct aggressive movements toward the neighboring bird as if they were arbitrary responses. We use conventional switching keys that can be moved around within the chamber. Preliminary results show that one cannot assume that birds will treat the switching key equivalently when its location is changed within the chamber, let alone moved to the adjacent chamber. It remains to be seen whether explicit training of interchangeability across positions will then result in a replication, with truly arbitrary responses, of the "symbolic aggression" that Andronis et al. reported finding. |
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| 96. The Effects of Same vs. Qualitatively Different Reinforcers on Rats' Response Rates |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JESSIE-SUE MILO (West Virginia University), Kennon Andy Lattal (West Virginia University) |
| Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that response rates maintained by qualitatively different reinforcers were higher than those maintained by a single reinforcer type. In Experiment I, rats' lever presses were maintained on a 3-component multiple schedule with variable-interval schedules in each component. In the first component, sweet and condensed milk was delivered. In the second component, pellets were delivered. In the third component, milk and pellets were delivered. Response rates maintained by both pellets and milk generally were lower than those maintained by milk and higher than those maintained by pellets. In Experiment II, rats' lever presses were maintained by milk delivery in one session type, by pellet delivery in a second type, and by milk and pellets in a third session type. In contrast to earlier experiments, response rates maintained by milk and pellets together generally were lower than those maintained by milk and higher than those maintained by pellets. |
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| 97. Variable Level Reinforcement Schedules on Gambling Behaviors: A Look at the Preference Paradigm |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| MICHAEL F. PISNEY (University of Northern Iowa), Dustin Daugherty (University of Northern Iowa), Patience R. Niemoth (University of Northern Iowa), Otto H. Maclin (University of Northern Iowa) |
| Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the reinforcement properties of various schedules of reinforcement on gambling behaviors using a preference paradigm dual slot machine created by Maclin, Dixon, and Hayes (199). Participants were asked to play a simulated slot machine for approximately 50 minutes. During the first ten minutes participants were allowed to play one slot machine for five minutes while being locked out of the other one and vise versa for the second five minutes. Following the ten minute interval, participants were allowed to play either slot machine, creating a preference paradigm. When controlling for the primacy effect and preferences for left and right slots the research team determined the participants had a moderate to strong preference for the VR 10 schedule compared to a VR 50 schedule. |
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| 98. Effects of Internet Gambling on Teenagers and Young Adults |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| SCOTT SHAW (University of Northern Iowa), Dustin Daugherty (University of Northern Iowa), Daniel Garcia (University of Northern Iowa), Otto H. Maclin (University of Northern Iowa) |
| Abstract: Looks at the possible consequences of internet gambling on adolescents and college aged individuals. The main focus is on future methodological studies that address four main issues; 1) what are the differences of gambling online compared to being in an actual casino environment, 2) what are the prevalence rates of people who use online casinos, specifically in regards to teenagers and young adults, 3) what types of inducers make internet gambling more likely, 4) how are internet gamblers different than other gamblers (i.e. frequency of play, bets, games played, and time of day they gamble). The poster addresses the importance of these issues and how they should be examined in the future. |
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| 99. Fine Analysis of Performance under Variable-interval and Variable-ratio Schedules of Reinforcement in Rat |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| TAKAYUKI TANNO (Keio University, Japan), Takayuki Sakagami (Keio University, Japan) |
| Abstract: Fine structure of response distributions under variable-interval (VI) and variable-ratio (VR) schedules were analyzed to find out factors for response rate differences between these schedules under the same reinforcement rates. Data were collected by within subjects yoked control procedure using four rats. First analysis examined 10 inter-response-times (IRTs) before and after reinforcers, by calculated each median. This analysis showed that (1) post-reinforcement IRTs were longest and no difference between VI and VR; (2) pre-reinforcement IRTs were longer in VI; and (3) remaining IRTs were constant and little shorter in VR. Second analysis was revised cutoff-IRT analysis. We defined responses with IRT longer than 1 second as bout-initiation-responses, and the other responses as within-bout-responses, then we calculated some index of bouts such as number of responses per bout (NRB). As a result, only NRB showed a significant difference in VI and VR. These results suggest that response rate difference under these schedules reflect the difference of NRB, and this different behavior was generated by the difference of pre-reinforcement IRTs. Lastly, these results are discussed in view of the other analyses results, from log-survivor plot and point process. |
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| 100. Effects of Previous Reinforcement of Variability or Repetition on Learned Helplessness |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| MARIA HELENA HUNZIKER (Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), Fernando Manfre (Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), Marcos Yamada (Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil) |
| Abstract: This experiment investigated whether positive reinforcement of behavioral variation or repetition can immunize against learned helplessness. Sixty three rats were divided into three groups. Initially, for one of the groups, positive reinforcers were contingent to behavioral variation of lever-press sequences (VAR); for the other group, reinforcers were contingent to behavioral repetition (REP), i.e, only one sequence were reinforced; the third group remained in their home cage (ING). Following this procedure, each group was subdivided into three, and each subgroup was exposed to one of the following treatments: controllable shocks (C), uncontrollable shocks (I), or no shock (N). The next day, all subjects were tested in an escape contingency, where jumping from one side to the other in a shuttlebox produced immediate interruption of the shocks. At the first phase, all VAR subjects varied their sequences and those from REP group repeated the same sequence, indicating sensitivity to the manipulated positive reinforcement. In the escape test, only the ING-I subjects didn´t learn to escape (learned helplessness effect). Conversely, all VAR and REP subgroups learned to escape equally. These results suggest an immunization process produced by previous positive reinforcement, without differential effect from variation or repetition learning. |
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| 101. Approach and Retreat: Shaping the Behavior of Llamas with Negative Reinforcement |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JENNA N. POLLARD (University of North Texas), Sarah C. McDaniel (University of North Texas), Nicole R. Dorey (University of North Texas), Jesus Rosales-Ruiz (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: The purpose of this research is to experimentally demonstrate the use of negative reinforcement to shape llamas to accept food from the hand of a human trainer/experimenter. Three llamas were chosen from the Frank Buck Zoo because they avoided proximity to trainers. A multiple baseline design across subjects was used to assess the effects of the training procedure. During baseline the trainer approached the llama until either the trainer was close enough to offer food to the llama or the llama moved away. During the training sessions the trainer approached a llama and put a dish of food on the ground, activated a clicker and moved away from the llama. Across trials, the distance between the trainer and the llama was reduced until the llama accepted food from the hands of the experimenter. The results of the study show that the procedure was effective with the first llama. The data are still in progress for the two remaining llamas. |
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| 102. EAHB-SIG Student Paper Award Winner: Human Group Choice: The Relation between Travel Cost and the Ideal Free Distribution |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| GEORGE ANTHONY BENNERS (Armstrong Atlantic State University) |
| Abstract: Human group-choice research is an extension of the Ideal Free Distribution (IFD), a social foraging theory in behavioral ecology, to human behavior. The present study used a free operant procedure constructed as a between-groups experiment to test the relationship between the IFD and travel cost. The travel distance between resource sites was extended from 6 to 24 meters to investigate the effect on the group sensitivity measures. Although it was expected that group sensitivity would increase and overmatching would occur as the travel cost increased, sensitivity remained constant. However, when a large travel cost was employed, the orderliness of the group choices decreased. In addition, analysis of the individuals’ switching behavior revealed a slight increase in switching as travel cost increased. Individual analysis also suggested that the group choice could be reduced to individual matching. |
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| 103. Second-order Presentation of Brief, Paired Stimuli Affects Response Patterning but not Breakpoint under Progressive Ratio Schedules of Reinforcement |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JOSE L. MARTINEZ (Southern Illinois University Carbondale), Brian D. Kangas (University of North Texas), Katarzyna Grabowska (Southern Illinois University Carbondale), Eric A. Jacobs (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) |
| Abstract: In the present study, we assessed the effects of second-order brief, paired stimulus presentation on progressive ratio performance in rats. Lever pressing was maintained by a progressive-ratio schedule of milk delivery. During reinforcement, a tone and hopper light accompanied milk delivery. The progressive ratio step size was set at 3 or 10 responses, depending upon subject. Sessions terminated when 10 minutes transpired without completing the current ratio requirement. The last ratio completed was deemed the breakpoint. Under some conditions, the tone and the hopper light were presented for 0.5 s upon completion of each step size unit. For example, if the current response requirement was 30 and the step size was 10 responses, the tone and light would be presented following the 10th and 20th responses. Inclusion of the brief, paired stimuli did not sytematically affect progressive ratio breakpoints. However, the rats frequently paused following presentation of the brief, paired stimuli, particularly at relatively high ratio values. Thus, although the stimuli did not facilitate higher breakpoints, the stimuli did appear to be serving a conditioned reinforcing function. |
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| 104. MTS_DSS 1.0: Software Designed to Study Conditional and Simple Discrimination |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| MARCIO MOREIRA (Pontifical Catholic University of Goias, Brazil), Cristiano Coelho (Pontifical Catholic University of Goias, Brazil) |
| Abstract: This software makes possible studies on simple and conditional discriminations, main features being the speed and easiness to set up new procedures without the need of a computer programmer's intervention. MTS_DSS 1.0 runs under protocols. Each protocol corresponds to a phase of an experiment. Experiments do not need to be interrupted to change the current protocol. Each protocol has the following configuration possibilities: 1) simple discrimination (1 to 6 choices) or conditional discrimination (1 model and 1 to 6 comparisons); 2) presentation of visual and/or auditory stimuli; 3) Inter-trial interval ; 4) correction procedure; 5) randomize trials sequence and the position of the comparisons; 6) auditory and/or visual feedback; 7) to show accounts of successes and mistakes; 08) set initial instructions/report requests; 08) ending criteria per time and/or performance; 09) modules that enable the researcher to design his own instructions and stimuli. All the objects (protocols, stimuli, messages, etc.) built by the software are stored and can be easily accessed for new experiments. Each protocol generates a result file with description of the configuration and measures of each trial like response latency, performance and statistical summaries of the session. MTS_DSS 1.0 was built under a Windows VB 5.0® platform. |
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| 105. The effects of Disruptive Events on Time-Place Learning in Rats |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JACOB NORRIS (Illinois Wesleyan University), James D. Dougan (Illinois Wesleyan University) |
| Abstract: Traditional behavior analysis has long emphasized the relationship between responding and local reinforcement effects. This is typified by testing animals in a constrained environment (the operant chamber) for during brief sessions. With some notable exceptions, relatively little research has examined reinforcement effects in larger, more open environments across longer time intervals. The present experiment examines time-place learning, in which reinforcement is available in certain locations only during certain times of the day. Rats were trained to press bars for food reinforcement in a large, open environment with four different feeding stations. At any one time, only one feeding station was operative, with time of day (relative to the light/dark cycle)the only cue signaling which station was active. During baseline, rats learned to visit the appropriate station based on the time of day. They were then exposed to several “disruption” events (handling, noise, presentation of free reinforcement) to determine how the disruptions would alter their time-place responding. The results have implications for theories of timing as well as for theories of operant behavior. The results may also have implications for howexperiments are to be properly conducted. |
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| 106. Isolating the Role of Symmetry and Transitivity in the Extension of Stimulus Functions |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| MEDEA RAWLS (University of North Texas), Carrie Ann Hartman (University of North Texas), Manish Vaidya (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: Prior research in our laboratory has been concerned with the relation between stimulus equivalence and extension of stimulus function. The current experiment sought to more precisely understand the role of equivalence relations in the extension of stimulus function. Across three experiments, subjects learned six overlapping conditional relations (A1-B1, A2-B2, A3-B3, B1-C1, B2-C2, and B3-C3) during Phase 1. Also during Phase 1, subjects were taught to emit a particular response in the presence of a subset of the stimuli used in the experiment. For example, in Experiment 1, stimuli designated A1, A2, and A3 became discriminative for touching the left, middle or right part of a touchscreen, respectively. The B- and C-set of stimuli were similarly trained in Experiments 2 and 3, respectively. During Phase II, test trials assessed whether 1) the conditional relations training from Phase I had given rise to stimulus equivalence and 2) whether the simple discrimination functions directly trained in Phase I had extended to other stimuli putatively related via equivalence. A total of 12 adults (4 in each experiment) participated. Results suggest that extension of function preceded equivalence but only when the nodes (set B stimuli) were explicitly trained as a discriminative stimuli in Phase 1. |
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| 107. A Functional Analysis of Self Injurious Behavior in an Olive Baboon (Papio hamadryas anubis) |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| NICOLE R. DOREY (University of North Texas), Jesus Rosales-Ruiz (University of North Texas), Richard G. Smith (University of North Texas), Bryan S. Lovelace (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: A common problem at zoo settings is that captive animals develop forms of self-injurious behavior such as over-grooming, feather plucking, and limb-biting, or self-stimulation such as pacing and rocking. It is frequently assumed by zoo professionals that the inappropriate behaviors are due to the animal’s “boredom” or lack of stimulation (Bashaw, Tarou, Maki, and Maple, 2001). The current study used procedures adapted from functional analyses with humans to determine the antecedents and consequences related to problematic behavior in the zoo. A functional analysis was designed to assess self-injurious behavior in an Olive Baboon (Papio hamadryas anubis) to determine if the target behavior was maintained by attention, tangible items, escape from tasks, or was automatically reinforced. Results indicated that the behavior was maintained by attention from humans. A treatment was implemented based on this finding. |
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| 108. Do Retirees (Retired Breeding Male Pigeons) at a “Slot Machine” Conform to the Predictions of Unit Price? |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| JULIE M. SLOWIAK (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire), Michael Paul (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire), Carla H. Lagorio (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire), Gregory J. Madden (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire) |
| Abstract: This study examined the prediction of unit price that a cost:benefit ratio determines consumption. Four pigeons earned food according to a fixed-ratio 3 schedule in a closed-economy (23-hour sessions, no supplemental food, no cap on consumption). In one condition three 45 mg pellets were delivered when the FR was completed. In the other condition, an average of 3 pellets were delivered. Unit price predicts no difference in response output or consumption per session across these conditions. No difference was observed. Further data will be collected on increasing unit prices to test the demand law. Implications of these findings for understanding gambling will be discussed. |
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| 109. Matching and Maximizing in the context of a Rock/Paper/Scissors Game |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| BRIAN D. KANGAS (University of North Texas), Manish Vaidya (University of North Texas) |
| Abstract: Human participants played a computer opponent in the traditional childhood game of Rock Paper Scissors (RPS). The computer's choices were governed by probability parameters that changed across blocks of 40 trials during a session. For example, in one experiment, the computer played each of the three options with equal probability in Block 1. In Block 2, the computer played Scissors on 60% of the trials and Rock and Paper on 20% each. In Block 3, the computer played Scissors on 87% of the trials and Rock and Paper on 6 and 7% of the trials, respectively. Matching was assessed by measuring the human subject’s choices under these conditions. The data suggest that our subjects were more likely to overmatch (i.e., play Rock against the computer’s Scissors) and that this dynamic was more pronounced when the computer’s probability of playing any of the three options were very different. Subsequent analyses investigated the role of zero-sum vs. non-zero sum arrangements. Preliminary data suggest that subjects were more sensitive to the programmed probabilities under the zero sum conditions. |
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