Reed, P., Hildebrandt, T., DeJongh, J., & Soh, M. (2003).
Rats' performance on variable-interval schedules with a linear feedback loop between response rate and reinforcement rate.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
79, 157-173.
Three experiments investigated whether rats are sensitive to the
molar properties of a variable-interval (VI) schedule with a
positive relation between response rate and reinforcement rate
(i.e., a VI+ schedule). In Experiment 1, rats responded faster on
a variable ratio (VR) schedule than on a VI+ schedule with an
equivalent feedback function. Reinforced interresponse times
(IRTs) were shorter on the VR as compared to the VI+ schedule. In
Experiments 2 and 3, there was no systematic difference in
response rates maintained by a VI+ schedule and a VI schedule
yoked in terms of reinforcement rate. This was found both when
the yoking procedure was between-subject (Experiment 2) and
within-subject (Experiment 3). Mean reinforced IRTs were similar
on both the VI+ and yoked VI schedules, but these values were
more variable on the VI+ schedule. These results provided no
evidence that rats are sensitive to the feedback function
relating response rate to reinforcement rate on a VI+ schedule.
Key words: feedback function, interresponse time,
variable-interval schedule, variable-ratio schedule, lever press,
rats