Tactile exploration of visual reinforcement following operant responding by 12- to 24-month-old infants

Abstract

Two experiments studied the interaction of operant responding for visual reinforcement (color slides) and tactile exploratory behavior directed toward that reinforcement. Experiment 1 attempted to quantify the relationship between operant performance and tactile exploration of the reinforcement produced. In an effort to influence exploratory tendencies, certain infants were given a tactile “priming” treatment of prior play exposure to the materials used as visual reinforcers. No differences in exploratory tendencies were found as a function of this prior exposure. However, in those infants who did not play before operant learning, a significant correlation was found between operant response frequency and total amount of tactile exploration of the visual images used as reinforcement. Visual reinforcers did elicit tactile responses. In Experiment 2, infants were again given the opportunity to touch visual reinforcement stimuli, this time during two different types of operant contingencies: buttonpress and “step on floor pad.” Those reinforcing stimuli activated by the floor-pad response were explored (touched) significantly more, indicating that the tendency to explore reinforcers depended upon the manner in which they were produced. These data were discussed by relating certain types of exploration as “adjunctive” behavior in an operant contingency.