Effects of Initial-Link Duration on Preference and Resistance to Change in Concurrent-Chains Schedules

Authors

Corina Jimenez-Gomez, Utah State University
Christopher A. Podlesnik, Utah State University
Timothy A. Shahan, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Behavioural Processes

Volume

81

Issue

2

Publisher

Elsevier

Publication Date

2009

First Page

223

Last Page

226

Abstract

Previous studies with concurrent-chains procedures have shown that preference for a terminal-link signaling a higher reinforcement rate decreases as initial-link durations increase. Using a concurrent-chains procedure, the present experiment examined the effects of manipulating initial-link duration on preference and resistance to disruption with rats nose poking for different rates of food reinforcement in the terminal links. Consistent with previous findings, preference for a terminal link with a higher reinforcement rate decreased with longer initial links. Conversely, relative resistance to disruption in the terminal link with a higher reinforcement rate increased with longer initial links. These findings are counter to the prediction of behavioral momentum theory that preference and resistance to change should be positively related.

Comments

Originally published by Elsevier. Publisher's PDF and HTML fulltext available through remote link.

Recommended Citation

Jimenez-Gomez, C., Podlesnik, C. A. & Shahan, T. A. (2009). Effects of initial-link duration on preference and resistance to change in concurrent-chains schedules. Behavioural Processes, 81, 223-226.