Reward magnitude and partial reinforcement effects in a single runway.

1974 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry F. Hughes ◽  
William P. Dunlap ◽  
Lawrence Dachowski
Keyword(s):  
Reward Magnitude ◽  
Partial Reinforcement

Preference for Predictable Small Rewards over Unpredictable Larger Rewards

1984 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 467-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene D. Steinhauer
Keyword(s):  
Reward Magnitude ◽  
Partial Reinforcement ◽  
Frustration Theory ◽  
Equal Frequency ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Clear Preference ◽  
Avoidance Tendency ◽  
Discrimination Procedure ◽  
Two Alternatives ◽  
Reinforcement Procedure

Numerous prior studies have reported that rats, pigeons, and humans prefer predictable over unpredictable rewards of equal frequency and magnitude. A frustration-theory analysis of this preference suggests that it obtains because the unpredictable partial reinforcement procedure is aversive whereas the predictable discrimination procedure loses its aversiveness. The preference, on such an analysis, arises due to the tendency to avoid the unpredictable of two alternatives. Since frustration varies as a function of magnitude of reward, the avoidance tendency should increase with increases in reward magnitude in the unpredictable alternative. One group of rats in the present study showed a clear preference for seven versus five 45-mg Noyes Pellets. A second group showed the oft reported preference for five pellets predictable versus five pellets unpredictable. A third group of rats showed a preference for a five-pellet predictable reward over a seven-pellet unpredictable reward. The results of this experiment provide evidence for a frustration-theory analysis of the preference for predictable reward.

The Effects of Partial Reinforcement on the Ambiguous Cue Effect

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Michalek ◽  
Marco Vasconcelos ◽  
Peter J. Urcuioli
Keyword(s):  
Partial Reinforcement ◽  
Ambiguous Cue
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