Abstract
Thirty-two rats were trained in the Skinner box and received either large or small food reward in Phase 1. In Phase 2, half of each group was shifted to the other reward condition while the other half continued to receive the same reward magnitude. In Phase 3, Phase 1 conditions were reinstated for the shifted groups. Neither a positive contrast effect (PCE) nor a negative contrast effect (NCE) was obtained in Phase 2. Following a repeated shift in Phase 3, a strong NCE was obtained, but only a graphical, albeit statistically nonsignificant, PCE was observed. The results were discussed in terms of the older relative theories of Crespi and Helson as well as the more recent relativistic accounts of Amsel and Capaldi.
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Shanab, M., Kong, J. & Domino, J. Incentive contrast following repeated shifts in magnitude of food reward in the Skinner box. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 9, 47–50 (1977). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336925
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336925