Abstract
Pigeons’ choices between larger, more delayed and smaller, less delayed reinforcers were examined while the pigeons lived in the experimental chamber for 23-h sessions. In Condition 1, 4 pigeons were food deprived prior to each session and exposed to one session every 4th day. Condition 2 was identical except that the pigeons began each session at their ad-lib weights. Condition 3 was identical to Condition 2 except that sessions were conducted on consecutive days. Condition 4 was identical to Condition 3 except that the subjects (2 pigeons from Conditions 1–3 plus a naive pigeon) could obtain reinforcers much less frequently. In all of the conditions, the pigeons consistently chose the smaller, less delayed reinforcers; the pigeons were impulsive. The restriction of food access caused a disruption in the diurnal pattern of feeding, but did not decrease impulsiveness even in this 23-h live-in procedure.
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This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation.
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Logue, A.W., Chavarro, A., Rachlin, H. et al. Impulsiveness in pigeons living in the experimental chamber. Animal Learning & Behavior 16, 31–39 (1988). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209040
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209040