Preferences among stimulus matches in the pigeon

Behavioral stereotypy and the generalized matching equation

The development of behavioral stereotypy is a common result of exposure to both response-dependent and response-independent reinforcement procedures. The generalized matching equation and two dynamic versions of that equation, which take into account the time differential between reinforcements and their effect on behavior, predict this outcome of many procedures involving reinforcement. Following from the assumption that distinct response topographies, distinct response sequences, or orientations to distinct stimuli can be treated in the equations as distinct classes of behavior, the equations predict that-at least for matching and undermatching-the behavior class that is most biased relative to other behavior classes of the same type will tend to predominate to the exclusion or near exclusion of those behavior classes.

Transfer of oddity-from-compound samples in the pigeon: Some assembly required

Experiment 1 trained three pigeons on a six-key oddity-from-sample procedure. At trial onset, one of two compound color-form sample stimuli was presented (a white 'X' on a red background or a white circle on a green background). Every second peck on the sample key lighted another comparison stimulus up to a maximum of four stimuli (red, green, circle and X). A peck on the two keys that presented non-matching color and form stimuli, relative to the compound sample, lighted a reinforcement key. A peck to this key produced grain. Errors darkened the comparison keys and repeated the trial. The birds learned to perform without error during 70-80% of the session trials, and showed transfer of oddity performance to eight novel compound samples. Experiment 2 presented the pigeons with novel combinations of familiar color and form stimuli. Each bird performed well above chance indicating that their behavior was under the control of an oddity concept.