Manabe, K. (1992). Real-time detection of orientation during negative behavioral contrast with key pecking and a turning response. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 57, 209-218.

We developed a video system for real-time detection of a pigeon's orientation and for reinforcement of a "turning response." Using this system, negative behavioral contrast was found across key-peck and turning responses. In addition, turning away from the pecking key was detected by the system just after presentation of the negative discriminative stimulus on the key. The results suggest that avoidance of the discriminative stimulus in the constant component, which has been regarded as a causal factor for negative contrast (additivity theory), is not the primary factor for negative behavioral contrast of pigeons' key pecking, but may account for negative local contrast.

Keywords: automated technology, video system, negative behavioral contrast, turning response, key peck, pigeons

The author made a video tape showing how turning and pecking responses were reinforced under a concurrent VI VI schedule using an automatic system. Turning responses were reinforced by the left-side hopper and pecking responses by the right-side hopper. Pigeons wore a harness with two ping-pong balls positioned on the neck and the tail for the automatic recognition of orientation.

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