Delayed Reinforcer Magnitude Effects on Discounting
Objective: To determine the effects of varying magnitudes of delayed water reinforcement on discount function steepness using an adjusting-amount procedure in rats
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
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Materials2
Software1
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Protocol Steps
Experimental Design Setup
Implement adjusting-amount procedure where rats choose between varying amounts of immediate water and fixed amounts of delayed water
Note: The amount of immediate water was systematically adjusted as a function of the rats' previous choices
View evidence from paper
“Eight rats chose between a varying amount of immediate water and a fixed amount of water given after a delay. The amount of immediate water was systematically adjusted as a function of the rats' previous choices”
Determine Indifference Points
Identify the indifference point at which each rat chose the immediate amount and the delayed amount with equal frequency
Note: The amount of immediate water at this indifference point was used to estimate the value of the delayed amount of water
View evidence from paper
“This procedure was used to determine the indifference point at which each rat chose the immediate amount and the delayed amount with equal frequency”
Test Varying Magnitudes of Delayed Reinforcement
Vary the magnitude of the delayed water across three levels: 100, 150, and 200 microliters
Note: This is Experiment 3 testing effects of reinforcer magnitude on discounting function steepness
View evidence from paper
“In Experiment 3, the effects of varying the magnitude of the delayed water (100, 150, and 200 microliters) were tested”
Conduct Choice Sessions
Run behavioral sessions where rats make repeated choices between immediate and delayed water options
Note: Rats reached indifference points within the first 30 trials of each 60-trial session
View evidence from paper
“the rats reached indifference points within the first 30 trials of each 60-trial session”
Record Choice Data
Record which option (immediate or delayed) the rat selected on each trial to determine indifference points
Note: Data used to calculate discount functions
View evidence from paper
“The amount of immediate water at this indifference point was used to estimate the value of the delayed amount of water”