Stimulus control and generalization of point-loss punishment with humans.

O'Donnell, J., Crosbie, J., Williams, D. C., & Saunders, K. J. (2000). Stimulus control and generalization of point-loss punishment with humans. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 73, 261-274.

Two experiments demonstrated stimulus control and generalization of conditioned punishment with humans. In both studies, responses first were reinforced with points exchangeable for money on a variable-interval schedule in the presence of one line length (S^D). Next, a second line length was introduced, and point loss followed every response in the presence of that line (S_p^D). In the final training condition, points were deducted at session end. Response rate was lower in the presence of the S_p^D despite equal rates of points for money in the presence of both stimuli. In generalization testing for Experiment 1, the two lines were included in a 10-line continuum; S_p^D fell in the middle and the trained S^D was at one end. Lines were presented randomly, and point delivery and loss contingencies were as in training but with points available in the presence of all lines. For all subjects, response rates were lowest around S_p^D and increased towards the S^D end of the continuum. Because testing included only one or two lines beyond S^D, this pattern did not rule out S^D generalization. Thus, in Experiment 2, stimuli beyond S^D were added to generalization tests. Response rates did not decrease as a function of distance from S^D, clarifying the demonstration of punishment generalization.

Key words: punishment, stimulus control, discrimination training, stimulus generalization, lever press, plunger pull, humans