Unit price and choice in a token-reinforcement context.
J Exp Anal Behav
; 81(1): 5-25, 2004 Jan.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15113130
ABSTRACT
Pigeons were exposed to multiple and concurrent second-order schedules of token reinforcement, with stimulus lights serving as token reinforcers. Tokens were produced and exchanged for food according to various fixed-ratio schedules, yielding equal and unequal unit prices (responses per unit food delivery). On one schedule (termed the standard schedule), the unit price was held constant across conditions. On a second schedule (the alternative schedule), the unit price was either the same or different from the standard. Under conditions with unequal unit prices, near-exclusive preference for the lower unit price was obtained. Under conditions with equal unit prices, the direction and degree of preference depended on ratio size (number of responses per exchange period). When this ratio differed, strong preferences for the smaller ratio were observed. When this ratio was equal, preferences were nearer indifference. Response rates on the multiple schedule were generally consistent with the preference data in showing sensitivity to ratio size. Results are discussed in terms of a unit-price model that includes handling and reinforcer immediacy as additional costs. On the whole, results show that preferences were determined primarily by delay to the exchange period.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Reforço por Recompensa
/
Comportamento de Escolha
Tipo de estudo:
Health_economic_evaluation
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Exp Anal Behav
Ano de publicação:
2004
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos