POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL CONTRAST WHEN PIGEONS PRESS TREADLES DURING MULTIPLE SCHEDULES

Abstract

Pigeons were placed on multiple variable‐interval 15‐second variable‐interval 15‐second and on multiple variable‐interval 15‐second extinction schedules in which treadle presses produced food reinforcers. Positive behavioral contrast occurred. That is, rates of responding were higher during the variable‐interval 15‐second component when the other component was extinction than when it was another variable‐interval 15‐second schedule. These results contradict the findings of other studies, which failed to find positive contrast when pigeons pressed treadles for food reinforcers. They may also question the additive theories of behavioral contrast that predict that contrast should not occur in this situation.