Response contingencies of dim or bright light onset or offset were investigated using 160 24- to 36-hr.-old chicks. Results substantiated that dim light onset is an effective sensory reinforcer for chicks and that both bright light onset and offset are aversive stimuli. Results were discussed with reference to the reinforcing and activating function of the sensory stimulus.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
EackerJ. N.MeyerM. E.Behaviorally produced illumination change by the chick. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1967, 63, 539–541.
2.
KishG. B.Studies of sensory reinforcement. In HonigW. K. (Ed.), Operant behavior: areas of research and application. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1966. Pp. 109–159.
3.
MeyerM. E.The arousal and reinforcing properties of light onset as a function of duration and of visual complexity for chicks. Psychological Reports, 1968, 23, 419–424. (a)
4.
MeyerM. E.The influence of maturation upon sensory reinforced behavior of chicks. Psychonomic Science, 1968, 10, 317–318. (b)
5.
MeyerM. E.AugustonS. R.Reinforcement and activation of domestic chicks as a function of the intensity of light onset. Animal Behaviour, 1969, 17, 177–180.