Source Paper
MAXIMIZING AND MATCHING ON CONCURRENT RATIO SCHEDULES<sup>1</sup>
R. J. Herrnstein, Donald H. Loveland
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior • 1975
View Abstract
Pigeons on concurrent variable‐ratio variable‐ratio schedules usually, though not always, maximize reinforcements per response. When the ratios are equal, maximization implies no particular distribution of responses to the two alternatives. When the ratios are unequal, maximization calls for exclusive preference for the smaller ratio. Responding conformed to these requirements for maximizing, which are further shown to be consistent with the conception of reinforcement implicit in the matching law governing relative responding in concurrent interval schedules.
Concurrent Variable-Ratio Schedule Task
Objective: Test whether pigeons on concurrent variable-ratio variable-ratio schedules maximize reinforcements per response or follow matching behavior, and examine responding patterns when reinforcement ratios are equal versus unequal
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
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Protocol Steps
Establish concurrent variable-ratio schedules with equal ratios
Pigeons respond on concurrent variable-ratio variable-ratio schedules where both alternatives have equal reinforcement ratios
Note: When ratios are equal, maximization implies no particular distribution of responses to the two alternatives
View evidence from paper
“When the ratios are equal, maximization implies no particular distribution of responses to the two alternatives.”
Test concurrent variable-ratio schedules with unequal ratios
Pigeons respond on concurrent variable-ratio variable-ratio schedules where the two alternatives have different reinforcement ratios
Note: Maximization calls for exclusive preference for the smaller ratio when ratios are unequal
View evidence from paper
“When the ratios are unequal, maximization calls for exclusive preference for the smaller ratio.”
Record response distribution and reinforcement patterns
Measure and analyze the distribution of responses to the two alternatives and the resulting reinforcements obtained
Note: Responding conformed to requirements for maximizing behavior
View evidence from paper
“Responding conformed to these requirements for maximizing, which are further shown to be consistent with the conception of reinforcement implicit in the matching law governing relative responding in concurrent interval schedules.”