Increased generalization in a peak procedure after delayed reinforcement

Abstract

Temporal control of behavior might be impaired by reinforcement devaluation and other motivational operations such as delaying reinforcement of the instrumental response. Here, we report an experiment that assessed the effect of delayed reinforcement on a timing peak procedure. Using a within-subject design with a multiple two-component schedule of reinforcement, we found evidence of flat temporal generalization gradients, along with degraded response-reinforcer contingency, lower response rates and changes in the responding patterns due to delayed reinforcement. This result is consistent with the Learning to Time (LeT) and some versions of Scalar Expectancy Theory (SET).

Keywords: Delay of reinforcement; Generalization; Rats; Stimulus discrimination; Timing.