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CHOICE IN TRANSITION: A COMPARISON OF MELIORATION AND THE KINETIC MODEL
Author(s) -
Myerson Joel,
Hale Sandra
Publication year - 1988
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.1988.49-291
Subject(s) - preference , variable (mathematics) , kinetic energy , interval (graph theory) , psychology , extinction (optical mineralogy) , statistics , mathematics , physics , combinatorics , mathematical analysis , quantum mechanics , optics
Transition‐state choice behavior of pigeons was examined in two experiments designed to test predictions of melioration and the kinetic model. Both experiments began with an initial training condition during which subjects were maintained on concurrent variable‐interval schedules. In Experiment 1, subjects were then exposed to concurrent variable‐ratio schedules, whereas in Experiment 2, subjects were then exposed to concurrent extinction. Contrary to the predictions of melioration, but consistent with the kinetic model, acquisition of preference on concurrent variable‐ratio schedules followed a negatively accelerated logistic trajectory, and preference remained stable in concurrent extinction. Predictions made by the kinetic model concerning rates of switching between alternatives were also supported.