Efectos Del Reforzamiento Variado Y Constante Sobre La Resistencia A La Extinción

Abstract

Previous experiments have shown that qualitatively varied reinforcers do not consistently maintain higher response rates than those maintained by a constant reinforcer. The present study compared the effects of varied and constant reinforcers on response rate and resistance to extinction. In Experiment 1, three rats were exposed to a three-component multiple schedule, in which lever presses were maintained by a variable-interval schedule. Either water or pellets were delivered in two components and water and pellets were delivered in a third component. Responding then was extinguished. Varied reinforcers had an averaging rather than a summative effect on both response rates and subsequent resistance to extinction. In Experiment 2, different reinforcers were used. Either a sucrose solution or pellets were delivered in two components and the sucrose solution and the pellets were delivered in the third component. Response rates maintained by varied reinforcers were slightly higher and more resistant to extinction than those maintained by constant reinforcers. The additive effect of varied reinforcement on response rates and resistance to extinction was modulated by reinforcer type. The results are discussed in terms of reinforcer interaction and motivating operations.