Training a new response using conditioned reinforcement

Some of the most frequently used methods in the study of conditioned reinforcement seem to be insufficient to demonstrate the effect. The clearest way to assess this phenomenon is the training of a new response. In the present study, rats were exposed to a situation in which a primary reinforcer and an arbitrary stimulus were paired and subsequently the effect of this arbitrary event was assessed by presenting it following a new response. Subjects under these conditions emitted more responses compared to their own responding before the pairing and to their responding on a similar operandum that was available concurrently that had no programmed consequences. Response rates also were higher compared to responding by subjects in similar conditions in which there was no contingency (a) between the arbitrary stimulus and the reinforcer, (b) between the response and the arbitrary stimulus or (c) both. Results are discussed in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions to study conditioned reinforcement.

► A neutral stimulus was paired with a primary reinforcer and later presented contingently upon a response.
► Compared to appropriate controls, experimental subjects responded at higher rates.
► Data support the idea that performance of experimental subjects was due to conditioned reinforcement.