Value of knowing when reinforcement is due.

Abstract

In 4 experiments concerning preference for knowing when reinforcement is to be delivered[long dash]although that information has no apparent instrumental value[long dash]pigeons chose between informative and noninformative stimulus sequences. Following an informative choice, the stimulus was correlated with the prevailing interval before reinorcement; following a noninformative choice, it was not. Strong preference for the informative sequence, regardless of the proportion of short vs. long reinforcement intervals, was unaffected by addition of a reliable cue at the moment of reinforcement. Cue strength of the various stimuli was assessed. A control experiment excluded explanations in terms of preference for unpredictable sequences, variety, or specific stimuli. The results are discussed in terms of secondary reinforcement.