Distributed Reinforcement during Delay to Large Reinforcement May Increase “Self-Control” in Rats

Abstract

Two groups of rats were tested for self-control. In Exp. 1 all rats were impulsive. In Exp. 2, when subjects entered one goal box, the rats would receive 3 pellets immediately, the impulsive choice. When Standard Group rats entered the other goal box, they received 7 pellets after a delay of 10 sec., the self-control choice. When Distributed Group rats made a self-control choice in Phase 1 they received 1 pellet immediately, 3 after 3 sec., and 3 pellets 7 sec. later (10 sec. total); in Phase 2 they received 1 pellet immediately and 6 after 10 sec.; and in Phase 3 they received 7 pellets after a delay of 10 sec. Rats in the Distributed Group, but not rats in the Standard Group, tended to be self-controlled throughout the experiment.