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| EAB Monday Poster Session |
| Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| 1:00 PM–3:00 PM |
| Convention Center, Lower Level, Hall C |
| Chair: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
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| 92. Biological Constraints on Conditioning in Human: Evidence From a Saccadic Adaptation Paradigm |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Theory |
| MAXIME MARTEL (University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France - UMR 9193-SCALab, CNRS,), Laurent Madelain (UMR 9193-SCALab, CNRS, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France.) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: Biological constraints on conditioning, rooted in the specialized adaptations of organisms, limit the effectiveness of classical and instrumental conditioning (Domjan, 2000). Across more than 15 experiments and 150 participants, we used a contextual saccadic adaptation paradigm to investigate biological constraints on learning in humans. This approach employed a consistent design and a well-established three-term contingency paradigm to probe the effectiveness of discriminative stimuli. We discuss our findings from two perspectives: Motor Learning: Our findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that motor-related cues are necessary to induce motor learning. Additionally, our results provide a more precise characterization of motor-related cues, establishing their limitations and providing evidence of a dissociation between motor and perceptual responses within single trials. These results provide evidence for biological constraints in humans by documenting a specific example. Learning Theory: We argue that not all stimuli can be associated with any response or outcome, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the three elements of the three-term contingency—stimulus, response, and outcome—in facilitating learning. These findings deepen our understanding of how specific stimulus-behavior relationships, shaped by evolutionary factors, influence learning processes by highlighting conditions that either facilitate or limit behavioral adaptation. |
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| 93. A Translational Evaluation of Fixed and Variable Scheduling in Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior Under Reduced Fidelity |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| MICHAEL ANTHONY CATALANO (Salve Regina University), Sofia E. Abuin (Salve Regina University), Stephanie Hope Jones (Salve Regina University) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is an effective intervention that typically involves reinforcing alternative responding on a fixed-ratio schedule and withholding reinforcement following problem behavior. Deviations from treatment protocols during DRA (i.e., implementation with fidelity errors) lead to degraded therapeutic outcomes. However, there is a lack of research evaluating impacts of fidelity errors when variable schedules are programmed during full-fidelity DRA. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effects of fidelity errors during DRA with fixed- and variable-ratio schedules. We recruited undergraduates to participate in a computer program that simulated DRA. All participants experienced baseline, full-fidelity DRA, and reduced-fidelity DRA with combined errors under both fixed and variable schedules in a reversal design. The results suggest that under full-fidelity DRA, fixed and variable scheduling suppressed problem behavior similarly across participants. Under reduced-fidelity DRA, suppression of target responding was inconsistent across participants and conditions. Further analysis and suggestions for future research and clinical applications are discussed. |
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| 94. The Effects of Defusion Exercises on the Results of the Emotional Stroop Task |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| MEAGAN GRASLEY (Endicott College, Kids on the Move), Bradley Ray Tiefenthaler (Montana Association for Behavior Analysis), Mark R. Dixon (University of Illinois at Chicago) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: This study examined the effects of defusion exercises on decreasing the interference of words associated with anxiety in processing during the Emotional Stroop task. Ten participants (5 males, 5 females) were assigned to either an intervention group, which received five ACT defusion exercises, or a control group, which completed five unrelated spoken and written tasks after completing an Emotional Stroop consisting of negative and neutral word blocks. After the exercises, they completed the Emotional Stroop task a second time. Participants averaged a greater decrease in the negative trial block compared to the neutral block in the intervention group. A two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess the effects of the intervention on the Stroop task performance. The results revealed a significant main effect of group (control/test), with a p-value of 0.0383, indicating that the intervention group showed a notable difference compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the defusion exercises led to faster processing during the second negative trial block. This effect is hypothesized to be the result of the exercises distancing participants from the negative functions of the words. |
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| 95. Using Conditional Discrimination Training to Transfer Discriminative Control of Rule-Governed and Contingency-Shaped Behavior |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| MANISH K. GOYAL (Southern Illinois University, Carbondale), Eric A. Jacobs (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: Transfer of discriminative control of rule-governed (RGB) and contingency shaped behavior (CSB) through stimulus equivalence is assessed in this ongoing study. In Phase 1, participants made repeated choices between a fixed-time (FT) and a progressive-time (PT) schedule of points exchangeable for money in a two-ply multiple schedule. Selection of the fixed schedule reset the progressive schedule value to its minimum value of 0s. The FT schedule value and the PT schedule step size varied across components. Instructions were provided on the choice pattern that maximized reinforcement in the RGB component, whereas minimal instructions were provided in the CSB component. In Phase 2, two four-member stimulus classes (i.e., RGB=B1=A1=C1=D1; CSB=B2=A2=C2=D2) were established. In Phase 3, transfer of function was assessed by presenting members of the equivalence classes (C1, C2 or D1, D2) as component correlated stimuli in the multiple schedule. Preliminary findings from two participants demonstrate transfer of discriminative control of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior following conditional discrimination training. |
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| 96. Delay Discounting, Social Discounting, and Social Dilemma in Children |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| MICHIKO SORAMA (Kyoto Notre Dame University), Richard Yi (University of Kansas) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: Steeper delay and social discounting are related to various maladaptive behaviors. Delay and social discounting are assumed to be related to each other, but currently the relationship between them is not clear. Although several delay discounting tasks have been developed to measure children's delay discounting, previous efforts to study social discounting in children have used a task that is developed for adults. The present study aimed to measure delay and social discounting in children ages 6-10 years using new tasks specifically developed for children. In the both delay and social discounting tasks, the children chose between hypothetical smaller or larger rewards across 9 trials. The amount of the reward for each trial was adjusted across trials from the child's choice for the previous trial. To explore the validity of children’s discounting, a child-appropriate social dilemma task was also used to examine the association between discounting and choice on social dilemma tasks. Based on preliminary analysis of data, the applicability of the tasks and future direction are discussed. |
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| 97. Decreasing Social Media Usage in Young Adults |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| HARLEY DITZLER (Pennsylvania State University), Ji Young Kim (Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: Social media use is increasingly becoming a socially significant problem behavior. Previous literature showed that problematic social media use has been linked to symptoms of depression and addiction. As a response, this study used a multiple baseline design to implement an intervention targeted to decrease social media use in young adults. Participants of this study were undergraduates and at least 18 years old. The intervention used a mobile application to delay access to two targeted social media applications which were determined by baseline duration data of time spent on social media. Daily social media use was measured using ScreenTime, a built-in iPhone feature, to collected duration data on all social media applications. Four out of five participants showed an initial decreasing trend after the implementation of the intervention. The initial decrease was not maintained across any of the participants. Overall, the results suggest potential avenues for addressing problematic social media use. |
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| 98. Symmetrical, Asymmetrical Consequences and Amount of Surplus in Power Interactions Among Dyads of University Students |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| NORA RANGEL (Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico), Fátima Yaneth Mérida (CEIC-Universidad de Guadalajara), Cynthia Contreras (University of Guadalajara), Anahi Luna (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: This experiment evaluated the availability of symmetrical or asymmetrical consequences in power interactions among individuals in a contributive situation. Power interactions were measured in terms of what individuals can do or can have in a situation and what they make to promote or obstruct what others can do/have. Sixteen university students solved puzzles in dyads. Participants were exposed to three conditions (ABA design): symmetry, asymmetry, and symmetry of resources (consequences) available for individual appropriation. Participants were divided into two groups; in Group 1, participants obtained one resource deposited in a conjoined container every 15 seconds (high surplus condition). In Group 2, participants obtained only four resources each session (limited surplus condition). In both groups, participants showed a high frequency of behaviors that promoted their peers to solve the puzzles (making others could do/have). This kind of behavior occurred independently of the symmetrical or asymmetrical conditions. Although obstructing behaviors occurred at a low frequency among participants in Group 1, they increased when the surplus was limited. Results are discussed regarding the contributing task in which power interactions are established as prosocial behaviors, mainly promoting what others can do or have. However, this was affected by the amount of surplus obtained. |
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| 99. In Search of the Basic Processes of the Extinction Burst |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| MARLON PALOMINO (UNED (Spain)), Gabriela E. Lopez-Tolsa (UNED), Ricardo Pellon (Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: There are no identified basic processes controlling the Extinction Burst (EB) and the existing theories that attempt to explain it are weak or lack empirical examination. We aimed to identify the basic processes governing the phenomenon, contributing to a more systematic understanding of the phenomenon. We conducted five experiments with 107 Wistar-Han rats, using different reinforcement schedules (ratio, chaining or concurrent-like procedures) followed by extinction phases. Our methods were grounded in two theoretical frameworks: response competition as described by the Temporally Weighted Matching Law (TWML) and the role of reinforcement history in shaping the EB. We developed a procedure that yielded over 95% prevalence of the EB. However, neither the release of response competition nor the use of high reinforcement schedules (e.g., FR1) guaranteed the occurrence of the burst. Our data suggests that the EB could be both reinforced, increasing in magnitude, and extinguished through repeated exposures. Moreover, the EB depends significantly on the organism's reinforcement history, but key controlling variables remain uncovered. These findings have implications for both basic research and applied interventions, offering a procedure that allows for manipulation of variables to better understand the EB and in the long term, treatments can avoid the bursts of extinction. |
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| 100. Distracted Walking: Does Texting Influence Physical Activity Intensity? |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| PEYTON FARMER (University of North Carolina Wilmington), Daphne Kwon Kilbourne (UNCW), Caroline Knox (University of North Carolina Wilmington), Wendy Donlin Washington (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: Physical activity lessens the risk of health problems and chronic disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults engage in moderate-to-vigorous activity for at least 75 minutes a week. Walking is a popular form of physical activity because it is free, safe, and easy. However, walking intensity can vary greatly, and may not meet intensity recommendations. Many contingency management studies have been successful in increasing step count directly but have had varying impacts on intensity. Intensity levels may also be influenced by concurrent activities. Distracted walking, walking while doing another task, may alter the intensity of activity. This study uses heart rate (HR), step counts and step rates (or “speed” in steps/min) to characterize intensity. We examine the impact of texting on exercise intensity across walking and sitting conditions. Nine participants have completed conditions rotated in a multielement single subject design, including sitting, sitting while texting, walking, and walking while texting conditions. Results thus far show a notable difference in average HR while sitting and walking but no changes in HR or rate of steps attributable to texting. Impacts on public health will be discussed. |
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| 101. Effects of T-cycle Length and Inter-reinforcers Interval on Preference Reversals |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| RAUL AVILA (National Autonomous University of Mexico), Oscar Cordero (National Autonomous University of Mexico), Marisol Carmona (National Autonomous University of Mexico) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: In choice literature, evidence suggests that choosing between reinforcers that differ in magnitude and delay of delivery could be modulated by the interval between choice opportunities. This hypothesis was tested in the present study, focusing on the preference reversal effect, which is common in this area. Choice opportunities between a smaller-sooner reinforcer and a larger-later one, were presented according to a 16, 32 or 64 s T-cycle. Three pigeons were exposed to each T cycle and, in two consecutive phases, the interval between reinforcers was kept constant in 2 or 4 s. The delay between the choosing response and the delivery of either reinforcer was varied in consecutive conditions. The response-reinforcer delays ranged from 0-0 to 28-32 s. As shown in Figure 1, varying the response-reinforcer delays had almost no effect on the proportion of larger-later reinforcers obtained when the interreinforcer interval was 2 s. With the interreinforcers interval constant in 4 s, the proportion of larger-later reinforcers decreased as the response-reinforcer delay was varied from 0-0 to 8-4 s, and then increased slightly as the delay was lengthened; this last result was clearer with the longer T-cycle. These findings are consistent with those reported in the preference reversal literature. |
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| 102. Effects of Gamification Elements on Identification of Healthy Food Portions in Students |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| L. REBECA MATEOS MORFIN (Universidad de Guadalajara), Carlos Javier Flores Aguirre (Universidad de Guadalajara), Ana Sofia Flores (Universidad de Guadalajara), Julian Camilo Velasquez (University of Guadalajara) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: Obesity represents a significant global public health challenge, with portion size playing a critical role in excessive energy consumption and contributing to rising obesity rates, particularly among adolescents. This study analyzed the impact of gamification elements as a tool to promote healthy eating habits in high school students. Gamification is using game design elements in non-game contexts. The objective was to assess the effects of gamification elements on the identification of healthy food portions. Three groups were formed (points, feedback, and points with feedback) using matching-to-sample tasks, guided by an interactive narrative that emphasized the importance of healthy eating. The findings show that the feedback element has a favorable effect on healthy choices, both in isolation and in combination with points. These results provide evidence of the impact of gamification on learning healthy eating behaviors, highlighting the potential of technological tools to address critical social issues, such as adolescent obesity. |
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| 103. Analysis of Components Necessary for Conceptual Learning |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| REBECCA WOODARD (University of North Carolina Wilmington), Brooke Franks-Jacobucci (University of North Carolina Wilmington), Rebecca Powell (University of North Carolina Wilmington), Jennifer Roop (University of North Carolina Wilmington), Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: Conceptual learning is when learners select novel examples and reject novel nonexamples. Previous clinical and experimental arrangements have concentrated on practice arrangements to evaluate conceptual learning. However, these arrangements differ from classroom environments for students with advanced verbal repertoires that rely heavily on instruction or a combination of instruction and practice for concept acquisition. The purpose of this research was to evaluate: 1) effects of instruction and practice in isolation and 2) efficaciousness of this package on conceptual learning when used in combination. We recruited undergraduate students to complete a computer task teaching arbitrary visual concepts in a laboratory experiment. All participants completed instruction and practice. Half of the participants received instruction first and the other half completed practice first. All participants learned the concept after both practice and instruction. However, participants who received instruction first made fewer errors and completed practice faster compared to those who completed practice first. Instruction alone resulted in conceptual learning, whereas practice alone did not. Educators and instructors should arrange classroom environments to ensure that instruction is completed in advance of attempted practice. |
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| 104. A Comparative Evaluation of Experimental Designs for Procedural Fidelity Investigations |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| SOFIA E. ABUIN (Salve Regina University), Stephanie Hope Jones (Salve Regina University), Michael Catalano Jr. (Salve Regina University) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) effectively reduces challenging behavior and increases alternative responding when implemented as designed. Deviations from treatment protocols (i.e., procedural fidelity errors), reduce the efficacy of DRA. To understand nuances in effects of reduced-fidelity DRA, researchers have used both multielement and reversal designs but have never directly compared effects of fidelity errors when evaluated with the different designs. Thus, the present study sought to directly compare effects of DRA implemented with fidelity errors using a reversal and multielement design in a translational arrangement. Undergraduate participants were exposed to both designs consecutively, resulting in a single-subject comparison of arbitrary responding during each design. Results replicated previous evaluations of DRA implemented with 50% fidelity which demonstrated increased target responding relative to 100% fidelity DRA. Similar effects of errors were observed across both designs when full and reduced-fidelity conditions were signaled. Implications of the present study may include considerations related to design selection and presence of signals within multielement designs during procedural fidelity evaluations. |
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| 105. Overactivity and Impulsive Choice: The Role of Schedule-Induced Drinking in Delay Discounting Tasks |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| SERGIO RAMOS-SOLIS (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia), Gabriela E. Lopez-Tolsa (UNED), Ricardo Pellon (Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: The impact of excessive, non-reinforced behaviors on impulsive tasks remains unclear due to contradictory findings. In tasks that involve response inhibition, the development of schedule-induced behaviors (SIB) has been shown to enhance self-control. However, in delay discounting tasks, where stimuli signaling both options are presented simultaneously and responses to each are mutually exclusive, SIB appears to increase impulsivity. In this context, SIB has been used as a laboratory model to investigate overactivity. Two experiments involving rats were conducted to investigate the impact of Schedule-induced Drinking (SID) on their performance in a delaying discounting task. In Experiment 1, rats underwent pre-training in a 19-second fixed interval to develop SID. Subsequently, they engaged in a delay discounting procedure, choosing between levers offering a small immediate reinforcer (SS) and a larger, delayed reinforcer (LL), with increasing delays. One group had access to water during the task. Experiment 2 replicated the procedure, with one group having access to a water only when choosing SS and the other only when choosing LL. Results indicated that SID could increase the reward value, influencing the rats' choices depending on its allocation. |
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| 106. Behavioral Persistence Under Extinction and Response Cost Contingencies With Humans |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| SYLVIA ALEJANDRA VALENZUELA COTA (Universidad de Sonora), Ilse Aldana (Universidad de Sonora), Kenneth D. Madrigal (Universidad de Sonora) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: The purpose of the present experiment was to assess the effects of increasing response cost on a resistance-to-change procedure with humans. Four undergraduate students were exposed to three conditions: two with different response cost contingencies and one under extinction. Within each condition, a two-component multiple schedule (VI 20 s – VI 60 s) arranged the delivery of 100 points across two phases. In the first phase, participants received points without any contingency for responding outside the interval in both components. During the second phase, in the 5- and 10-Point Conditions, response cost was implemented by subtracting 5 or 10 points for responding before the interval, while no consequences were scheduled in the Extinction Condition. During the test phase of the 10-Point Condition, mixed results were observed: responding increased for two participants but decreased for the other two. In the 5-Point Condition and the Extinction Condition, responding decreased for all participants, with greater persistence observed during the Extinction Condition. Contrary to previous findings, no differences in response rates were observed between components in any phase of all conditions. Future studies could explore conditions under which different response rates between components may be observed. |
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| 107. Reinforcing Behavioral Variability Using Lag and Threshold Schedules in a Multiple Schedule With Olfactory Stimuli in Rats |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| TRISTAN MITCHELL (Middle Tennessee State University), Annie Galizio (Middle Tennessee State University), Jay Hinnenkamp (Middle Tennessee State University), Travis Neal (Middle Tennessee State University), Jordan Feild (Middle Tennessee State University), Krish Patel (Middle Tennessee State University), Kaitlyn Thornsbury (Middle Tennessee State Univeristy) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: The ability to respond variably can be adaptive. Behavioral variability can be increased through certain reinforcement contingencies; in a Threshold schedule, reinforcement is only delivered for responses that have been emitted infrequently in the past, and in a Lag schedule, reinforcement is only delivered for responses that differ from recent responses. This study contains two experiments aimed at establishing stimulus control of reinforced variability in rats using scents as discriminative stimulus. In both experiments, six rats responded in a two-component multiple schedule which required rats to respond variably in the presence of one scent (blueberry) and non-variably in the presence of a second scent (banana). After observing the scent, rats were required to make four-response sequences across two levers (e.g., LRLR). In Experiment 1, the Vary-Threshold component reinforced variability based on a threshold schedule, requiring relatively infrequent responses to occur, and the Control-Yoke component delivered reinforcement probabilistically to match reinforcer rates. In Experiment 2, the Vary-Lag component reinforced variability based on a lag schedule, requiring non-recent responses, and the Control-Repeat component required repetitive responding. In Experiment 1, evidence for discrimination was limited. Experiment 2 is ongoing, and we expect to see stimulus control develop over time. |
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| 109. Response-Cost Punishment of the Alternative Response After Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) Produces Resurgence of the Target Response |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| ANGEL M. VILLALOBOS (University of Florida), Diego Andrés Ávila Rozo (University of Florida), Carolyn Ritchey (Auburn University), Carla N Martinez-Perez (University of Florida), Matthew Lamperski (University of Florida), Toshikazu Kuroda (Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International), Christopher A. Podlesnik (University of Florida) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: Resurgence is defined as the recurrence of previously extinguished target behavior under the worsening of reinforcement conditions of recently reinforced alternative behavior. Translational research has explored the effects of punishment of target behavior during the extinction of target behavior to decrease resurgence. However, punishment of alternative behavior, as a worsening condition, has received little attention. Fontes et al. (2018) demonstrated that punishment of alternative behavior results in the resurgence of target behavior in rats. This study evaluated the effects of a response-cost punishment contingency for alternative behavior on the resurgence of target behavior in 78 human participants recruited via crowdsourcing. In Phase 1, target button presses were reinforced with points on a variable interval (VI) 2-s schedule. In Phase 2, target responses were extinguished, and clicks on the alternative button were reinforced on the same schedule. In Phase 3, a response-cost contingency was superimposed on the VI schedule: each successive minute, participants lost 100, 320, or 1000 points for alternative responding. Results show that losing points for alternative responses produced resurgence of target responding. Results regarding the relationship between the resurgence of target behavior and changes in reinforcement and response rates of punished alternative behavior are discussed. |
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| 110. The Role of Delay Discounting, Experiential Avoidance, and Gender in Excessive, Habitual, and Problematic Social Media Use in College Students |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| Joseph Rebarchick (Pennsylvania State University, Hazleton), YUSUKE HAYASHI (Pennsylvania State University, Hazleton) |
| Discussant: Catalina Rey (University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute) |
| Abstract: The present study examined the role of delay discounting, experiential avoidance/psychological flexibility, and gender in excessive, habitual, and problematic social media use in college students. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed their levels of three distinct types of social media use. They also completed a delay-discounting task with hypothetical monetary reinforcers, in which they made repeated choices between $100 available after a delay (ranging from 1 week to 5 years) and a lower amount of money available immediately (ranging from $1 to $99). The levels of experiential avoidance/psychological flexibility were assessed with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. The results of the multiple regression analyses conducted separately for each gender revealed that (a) excessive social media use was significantly predicted by delay discounting for both females and males; (b) habitual social media use was significantly predicted by delay discounting and experiential avoidance for females, but not males; and (c) problematic social media use was significantly predicted by experiential avoidance for females, but not males. These findings support the conclusion that gender acts as a moderating variable in the relationship between social media use and delay discounting/experiential avoidance. Implications for the development of effective intervention strategies are discussed. |
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| 111. Why Does Behavior Vary?: Free Reinforcers and the Persistence of Operant Behavior |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research |
| VAS CAMPBELL (University of Mary Washington), Cierra Curran (University of Mary Washington), Nicole Fortner (University of Mary Washington), Kyleigh Friel (University of Mary Washington), William David Stahlman (University of Mary Washington) |
| Discussant: Catherine Williams (University of North Carolina Wilmington) |
| Abstract: Variability in behavior increases when there is a downshift in the quality of the reinforcer. Regarding why this occurs, there are at least two nonexclusive possibilities: (1) Variability in behavior is directly sensitive to reinforcement contingencies, and (2) That a reduction in reinforcer probability renders behavior less resistant to change, thus increasing variability. This research investigated whether variability in operant behavior decreases in the presence of a free reinforcer, as would be predicted by Nevin’s behavioral momentum. Four Long-Evans female rats dug for two different kinds of cereal with differing levels of palatability (Sweet or Plain) in an A-B-A design. A free reinforcer (saccharin solution) was presented during the B component. Finally, food was removed and search variability was observed in extinction. Replicating past findings, behavior varied more on Plain trials than Sweet; also, at least two rats searched during extinction with increased variability across locations. There was no obvious effect of free saccharin on behavior. We discuss possibilities for this occurrence and present options for future research. |
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