TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF THE PIGEON'S KEY PECK FROM FOOD REINFORCEMENT TO AVOIDANCE OF SHOCK

Abstract

Eight pigeons were initially trained to peck a white key for food under a variable‐interval 1‐min schedule of reinforcement. Then, a shock‐avoidance schedule was initiated and food was no longer available in the experimental situation. Under the avoidance schedule, each peck on the key postponed shock for 40 sec. A warning signal, consisting of tone and red houselights, was presented after 30 sec without a response. If no response occurred, a shock was delivered 10 sec after warning‐signal onset. Shocks were delivered every 10 sec in the presence of the warning signal until a response was made. The warning signal was terminated only by a response. Key pecking of all eight pigeons came under control of the avoidance schedule and responding continued throughout the 20‐day avoidance training period.