Concurrent second-order schedules of reinforcement: Relative response requirement

Abstract

Three pigeons were submitted to concurrent variable-interval (fixed.ratio), variable-interval (fixed-ratio) second-order schedules in which programmed reinforcement rate was the same for both alternatives, and ratio requirement was systematically varied. For data analysis, each completion of a ratio was considered as one response. The relationship between response ratios and ratios of response requirement was well described by a power function, with exponents similar to those reported by Beautrais and Davison (1977).