Control of Pausing in Rich-Lean Transitions by Spatially Localized and Spatially Diffuse Stimuli

<p>Signaled transitions from rich (favorable) to lean (less favorable) schedules of reinforcement (i.e., rich-lean transitions) can disrupt operant behavior. Previous literature suggests that disruptions in these transitions could occur because individuals engage in other behavior that reduces contact with the schedule-correlated stimuli. My thesis project evaluated this possibility by using different stimuli to manipulate the ease by which rats could reduce contact with schedule-correlated stimuli during signaled rich-lean transitions. We arranged a two-component multiple fixed ratio-fixed ratio (FR-FR) schedule to evaluate effects of different types of schedule-correlated stimuli on pausing in rich-lean transitions using rat subjects. Components had equivalent FR requirements and were each signaled by unique schedule-correlated stimuli. In one component, <em>rich, </em>satisfying the FR requirement produced 3 food pellets. In the other component, <em>lean, </em>satisfying the FR requirement produced 1 food pellet. Each session consisted of 41 components arranged to produce 10 transitions of four types (rich-lean, rich-rich, lean-lean, lean-rich). Across conditions, we manipulated the type of stimuli that signaled the components. In one condition, <em>Localized, </em>the components were signaled by inserting one of two levers (e.g., right = rich, left = lean). In the other condition, <em>Diffuse,</em> the components operated on the same lever and were signaled by different tones (e.g., 500 Hz = rich, 1500 Hz = lean). Results obtained suggest that reducing contact with schedule-correlated stimuli could play a role in maintaining disruptions normally observed during rich-lean transitions.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychological Science

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Yahrmarkt, Carson S

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cory Toegel

• transitions
• rich and lean components
• fixed-ration
• schedule-correlated stimuli
• rats
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/762

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.nmu.edu:theses-1810