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TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF THE PIGEON'S KEY PECK FROM FOOD REINFORCEMENT TO AVOIDANCE OF SHOCK
Author(s) -
Foree Donald D.,
Lolordo Vincent M.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of the experimental analysis of behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.75
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1938-3711
pISSN - 0022-5002
DOI - 10.1901/jeab.1974.22-251
Subject(s) - peck (imperial) , reinforcement , pecking order , psychology , schedule , food delivery , avoidance response , avoidance learning , shock (circulatory) , communication , audiology , social psychology , computer science , neuroscience , medicine , mathematics , biology , ecology , advertising , geometry , business , operating system
Eight pigeons were initially trained to peck a white key for food under a variable‐interval 1‐min schedule of reinforcement. Then, a shock‐avoidance schedule was initiated and food was no longer available in the experimental situation. Under the avoidance schedule, each peck on the key postponed shock for 40 sec. A warning signal, consisting of tone and red houselights, was presented after 30 sec without a response. If no response occurred, a shock was delivered 10 sec after warning‐signal onset. Shocks were delivered every 10 sec in the presence of the warning signal until a response was made. The warning signal was terminated only by a response. Key pecking of all eight pigeons came under control of the avoidance schedule and responding continued throughout the 20‐day avoidance training period.