Behavioral contrast in pigeons depends upon the operant.

Abstract

Reinforced 3 male Carneaux pigeons for depressing a foot treadle according to multiple VI/VI schedules. After rates of responding stabilized, the schedule in 1 component was changed to extinction. This manipulation resulted in either no change or a decrease in rate of responding in the unchanged component. The Ss were then reinforced for key pecking under the same procedure. When key pecking was the operant, the experimental manipulation resulted in behavioral contrast. Results are discussed in terms of Pavlovian * Instrumental interactions. (17 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)