Resistance to change varies inversely with reinforcement context

► Prior studies suggest that resistance to change varies inversely with reinforcement context. ► We report two experiments with pigeons which control for possible confounds in previous research. ► In both, a constant schedule alternated with a richer or leaner schedule in baseline. ► Resistance to change was assessed by prefeeding (Exp. 1) or by a 5-hour satiation test (Exp. 2). ► Resistance to change was greater when the alternative was lean, consistent with prior research.