Effects of Reinforcer Magnitude Variability on Operant Responding and Choice in Rats
| dc.contributor.advisor | Chad, Galuska M | |
| dc.contributor.author | Havens, Crane Alexander | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-03-25T17:32:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-03-25T17:32:52Z | |
| dc.date.created | 2014-12 | |
| dc.date.submitted | December 2014 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The current study determined the effects of either a constant-sized (e.g., 2 pellets) or a variable-sized (averaging 2 pellets but ranging from 0-12 pellets) reinforcer on random-ratio responding in rats. Dependent measures of interest included within-session patterns of responding under a two-component multiple schedule, resistance to extinction, and preference under a concurrent schedule. Under a multiple schedule in which the two components alternated every 5 min, the component associated with the variable-sized reinforcer engendered greater responding later in the session. Responding in this component also was considerably more resistant to extinction than responding maintained by a constant-sized reinforcer; in fact, response rates increased considerably and these elevated rates were maintained for four consecutive extinction sessions in some rats. Despite this, under the concurrent schedule, the constant-reinforcer alternative was preferred in all rats. The results are discussed within the context of habituation, the partial reinforcement effect, and implications to gambling. | |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.library.cofc.edu/handle/123456789/4941 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.subject | Variability, Reinforcement Variability, Random Ratio, Choice | |
| dc.title | Effects of Reinforcer Magnitude Variability on Operant Responding and Choice in Rats | |
| dc.type.genre | thesis | |
| dc.type.material | text | |
| thesis.degree.department | Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | College of Charleston | |
| thesis.degree.name | Bachelor of Science |