Influence of Consecutive Small-Reward Trials and Intertrial Reinforcements in the Varied Magnitude of Reinforcement Experiment

1969 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 815-824
Author(s):  
James H. Thomas ◽  
M. J. Homzie
Keyword(s):  
Small Reward ◽  
Partial Reinforcement ◽  
Small Magnitude ◽  
Resistance To Extinction ◽  
Intertrial Reinforcement ◽  
Reinforcement Procedure

2 varied magnitude of reward instrumental runway studies with rats were conducted to ascertain whether the sequential variables, intertrial reinforcements and number of successive small magnitude of reward trials (S-length) would influence resistance to extinction (Rn) in a manner similar to that of comparable variables in the partial reinforcement (PR) situation. Exp. I indicated that S-length affects Rn in the same manner as the number of consecutive nonreinforced trials in the PR experiment. Contrary to the results of PR experiments, in Exps. I and II, the intertrial reinforcement procedure did not reduce Rn. The results of the two experiments indicate, however, that animals receiving identical goal events but differing in the sequence of such events exhibit differential Rn.

Preference for Predictable Small Rewards over Unpredictable Larger Rewards

1984 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 467-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene D. Steinhauer
Keyword(s):  
Reward Magnitude ◽  
Partial Reinforcement ◽  
Frustration Theory ◽  
Equal Frequency ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Clear Preference ◽  
Avoidance Tendency ◽  
Discrimination Procedure ◽  
Two Alternatives ◽  
Reinforcement Procedure

Numerous prior studies have reported that rats, pigeons, and humans prefer predictable over unpredictable rewards of equal frequency and magnitude. A frustration-theory analysis of this preference suggests that it obtains because the unpredictable partial reinforcement procedure is aversive whereas the predictable discrimination procedure loses its aversiveness. The preference, on such an analysis, arises due to the tendency to avoid the unpredictable of two alternatives. Since frustration varies as a function of magnitude of reward, the avoidance tendency should increase with increases in reward magnitude in the unpredictable alternative. One group of rats in the present study showed a clear preference for seven versus five 45-mg Noyes Pellets. A second group showed the oft reported preference for five pellets predictable versus five pellets unpredictable. A third group of rats showed a preference for a five-pellet predictable reward over a seven-pellet unpredictable reward. The results of this experiment provide evidence for a frustration-theory analysis of the preference for predictable reward.

Resistance to Extinction: A Test of the Discrimination Hypothesis

1978 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Dubanoski ◽  
Howard R. Weiner
Keyword(s):  
Partial Reinforcement Effect ◽  
Sequential Analysis ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Partial Reinforcement ◽  
Initial Training ◽  
Reinforcement Effect ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Continuous Reinforcement ◽  
Resistance To Extinction ◽  
Discrimination Hypothesis

To test the discrimination hypothesis of the partial reinforcement effect in extinction, partial or continuous reinforcement trials were interpolated between the initial training trials of partial or continuous reinforcement and the extinction period. 112 children from Grades 2 and 3 participated in one of four conditions. Children receiving two consecutive blocks of partial reinforcement showed the greatest resistance to extinction, children receiving two consecutive blocks of continuous reinforcement showed the weakest resistance, and those receiving partial reinforcement followed by continuous reinforcement or vice versa showed intermediate levels of resistance. Discrimination between training and extinction does not seem to be the critical factor involved in the partial reinforcement effect. The results were discussed in terms of a stimulus analyzer or a sequential analysis model.

N-Length and Intertrial Reward

1970 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 1007-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean L. Fixsen ◽  
Susan Swick Mc Bee ◽  
Patrick E. Campbell ◽  
Charles M. Crumbaugh
Keyword(s):  
Partial Reinforcement Effect ◽  
Partial Reinforcement ◽  
Partial Reward ◽  
Reinforcement Effect ◽  
Resistance To Extinction

2 experiments investigating the effects of intertrial reward on resistance to extinction following partial reward schedules containing N-lengths (number of consecutive nonrewards preceding a rewarded trial) of 1, 2, or 3. It was found that intertrial rewards completely eliminated the partial reinforcement effect for all N-lengths when run times were considered but had no effect on goal times. These data were discussed in terms of their relevance to the modified aftereffects hypothesis and previous investigations of intertrial reward.

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