ABRUPT RAISE OF RATIO IN METACONTINGENCIES WITH INTERMITTENT CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Intermittent metacontingencies experiments are showing instability with the ratio raise (always gradual). The objective of this study is to investigate variables that can contribute to the maintenance (or not) of a previously selected cultural practice with an abrupt ratio raise. Two groups of participants (substituted periodically) worked on a cooperative task on computer. Ratios 2 and 10 were used on both groups. In one group when introduced the ratio 10 the previously selected cultural practice was maintained and in the other it stopped occurring. The results were discussed in terms of different forms of cultural transmission, the format of rules generated by the subjects and the contact with the cultural consequence. Key words: Metacontingency; Schedules of Cultural Selection; Ratio Schedules; Cultural Evolution.