Shifting to VR Schedules of Reinforcement

 

This experimental phase demonstrates a shift from FR reinforcement in the prior 10 to12 sessions to the application of Variable Ratio schedules of Reinforcement based on and, then 10 responses per reinforcement on average.

Method and Procedures

Subjects had prior training involving continuous (CRF) reinforcement for bar pressing followed by 1 session of FI-2 seconds and then 1 session of FI-90 seconds. Subjects were then transferred in the next daily session to 3 successive daily sessions of FR-5. Following those 3 sessions, from 3 (subject 4 and 5) to 5 sessions (subject 6) followed using FR-10. These sessions were, themselves, followed by either 6 successive sessions of FR-30 (subjects 4 and 5) or by 4 successive sessions of FR-30 (subject 6). Following these sessions, 2 successive daily sessions of VR 5 were administered followed by 1 session of VR 10 on the subsequent day.

Results
Individual Session Data for Each of the Three Subjects for Successive Sessions of VR-5:
------------ Subject 4 ----------    ------------ Subject 5 ----------    ---------- Subject 6 ----------

   

   

   

The data collected from subject 4 are shown in Column 1 of the above graphs.

The data collected from subject 5 are shown in Column 2 of the above graphs.

The data collected from subject 6 are shown in Column 3 of the above graphs.

 

Individual Session Data for Each of the Three Subjects for Subsequent Successive Sessions of VR-10:
------------ Subject 4 ----------    ------------ Subject 5 ----------    ---------- Subject 6 ----------

   

   

The data collected from subject 4 are shown in Column 1 of the above graphs.

The data collected from subject 5 are shown in Column 2 of the above graphs.

The data collected from subject 6 are shown in Column 3 of the above graphs.