Abstract
Rats were studied in social reinforcement procedures in which lever presses opened a door separating two adjacent spaces, permitting access to social interaction with a partner rat. The number of lever presses required for social interaction was systematically increased across blocks of sessions according to fixed-ratio schedules, generating demand functions at three different social reinforcement durations: 10 s, 30 s, and 60 s. The social partner rats were cagemates in one phase, and non-cagemates in a second phase. The rate at which social interactions were produced declined with the fixed-ratio price, and was well described by an exponential model that has been successfully employed with a range of social and non-social reinforcers. None of the main parameters of the model varied systematically with social interaction duration or with the social familiarity of the partner rat. On the whole, the results provide further evidence of the reinforcing value of social interaction, and its functional parallels with non-social reinforcers.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
