Understanding Anticipatory Contrast in Behavior

Anticipatory Contrast

Change in response rate based on prior experiences.

Standard Procedure

two alternating multiple schedules , each has two components

Lean Schedule

Schedule with fewer reinforcements per session.

Rich Schedule

Schedule with more reinforcements per session.

Response Rate

Frequency of responses measured per minute.

Relative Value Theory

Comp. A is valued higher than comp. B.

Frustration Hypothesis

Frustration increases response vigor for comp. A.

Probe Trials

Brief tests to assess preference after training.

Response Blocks

Sessions grouped into blocks for analysis.

VI-120

Variable interval schedule with 120 seconds average.

VI-30

Variable interval schedule with 30 seconds average.

Extinction (EXT)

Condition where reinforcement is no longer provided.

Preference Test

Evaluates choice between two components.

Anxiolytic Drugs

Medications that reduce anxiety and frustration.

Training Trials

Sessions designed for skill acquisition before testing.

Frustration Levels

Intensity of frustration experienced during tasks.

Higher Response Rate

More frequent responses observed in comp. A.

Experimental Manipulation

Adjusting variables to test hypotheses.

Unanswered Questions

What causes anticipatory contrast?

What procedure would you use to accomplish a relative value test?

choice procedure (concurrent schedules) probe trial procedure

Would testing the relative value of A & B be informative?

Allows you to test relative value theory’s assertion that A has greater value than B.