38 Ss were divided into 4 groups, each group being placed on a 21:1 fixed-ratio schedule. Group I received an increase in magnitude of reward at a late stage of learning; Group II received a decrease in magnitude of reward at the same point in learning. Group III received an increase in reward-size at an early point in learning, while Group IV received a decrease in magnitude of reward at an early stage of learning. As predicted, shifts in reward significantly influenced running time in Groups III and IV but not in Groups I and II. These results are discussed as relevant to secondary reinforcement and learned expectancy.
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