Abstract
This experiment assessed the ability of rats to learn uncued free operant single- and double-alternation tasks. Each of six male albino rats was trained to single and double alternate responses between two levers in an operant conditioning chamber. All rats, quickly mastered the single-alternation task. Accuracy improved with increased double-alternation training and was above the level predicted by chance. However, double-alternation accuracy was higher when extra responses were allowed (e.g., LLLRR was reinforced as was LLRR). The rats in this experiment were totally unable to perform two correct double alternations in sequence (i.e., LLRRLLRR or RRLLRRLL).
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bloom, J. M., & Capaldi, E. J. The behavior of rats in relation to complex patterns of partial reinforcement. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1961, 54, 261–265.
Ferster, C. B. Intermittent reinforcement of a complex response in a chimpanzee. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1958, 1, 163–165.
Ferster, C. B. Intermittent reinforcement of matching to sample in the pigeon. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1960, 3, 259–272.
Ferster, C. B., & Skinner, B. F. Schedules of reinforcement. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1957.
Heise, G. A., Keller, C, Khavari, K. A., & Laughlin, N. Discrete trial alternation in the rat. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1969, 12, 609–627.
Hunter, W. S. The temporal maze and kinaesthetic sensory processes in the white rat. Psychobiology, 1920, 2, 1–17.
Hunter, W. S., & Nagge, J. W. The white rat and the double alternation temporal maze. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 1931, 39, 303–319.
Kelleher, R. T. Chaining and conditioned reinforcement. In W. K. Honig (Ed.), Operant behavior: Areas of research and application. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1966.
Khavari, K. A. Spacial single and double alternation learning in discrete trial operant situation. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 1970, 116, 241–246.
Livesey, P. J. Comparisons of double alternation performance of white rats, rabbits, and cats. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1965, 59, 155–158.
Ludvigson, H. W., & Sytsma, D. The sweet smell of success: Apparent double alternation in the rat. Psychonomic Science, 1967, 9, 283–284.
Schlosberg, H., & Katz, A. Double alternation lever-pressing in the white rat. American Journal of Psychology, 1943, 56, 274–282.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The authors sincerely thank Stephen Winokor for his advice and assistance throughout this project. Additionally, the authors extend sincere appreciation to J. W. Voorhees and Patty Randolph for their assistance in collection of the data.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Travis-Neideffer, M.N., Neideffer, J.D. & Davis, S.F. Free operant single and double alternation in the albino rat: A demonstration. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 19, 287–290 (1982). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03330260
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03330260