Abstract
The responding of 3 pigeons was stabilized on an FR 60 schedule of reinforcement. Response-produced electric shock, contingent upon the 60th response in each ratio, was introduced and systematically increased until responding was totally suppressed (Shock 1). The electric shock was removed (Recovery 1), then reintroduced following the recovery of responding (Shock 2), and removed again after total suppression (Recovery 2). The relationship between increased intensity of the electric shock and rate of responding was observed to be nonlinear. At several junctures responding increased when the intensity of the electric shock increased, “facilitated” responding. In addition, the responding of each subject under selected intensities of electric shock differed during the two periods when contingent electric shock was programmed.
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