Kirby, M., & Kennedy, C. H. (2003).
Variable interval reinforcement schedule value influences responding following rem sleep deprivation.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
80, 253-260.
The effects of rapid-eye movement sleep deprivation (REMSD) in
rats were studied in relation to variable-interval (VI)
reinforcement schedule value. Initially, lever pressing was
maintained on a VI 30-s schedule of food pellet delivery. After a
baseline was established, rats were repeatedly exposed to 96 hr
of REMSD and control conditions of an equivalent duration.
Responding decreased following REMSD but not after exposure to
control conditions. Lever pressing was then maintained on a VI
15-s schedule of food pellet delivery and exposure to the REMSD
and control conditions was repeated. Under this condition
following repeated REMSD exposures, rates of lever pressing
became similar to baseline responding. A VI 30-s schedule of food
pellet delivery was then reinstated and REMSD and control
conditions were repeated. Lever pressing following exposure to
the REMSD condition decreased for 3 of 4 rats. Results suggest
that VI schedule value influences the effects of REMSD on
responding.
Key words: sleep deprivation,positive reinforcement, schedule-dependent, reinforcement density, variable interval, lever pressing, rat