BEHAVIORAL INTERACTIONS IN MULTIPLE SCHEDULE USING HOT BLAST AIR (HBA) AS PUNISHER STIMULUS

Abstract

Behavioral interaction is a phenomenon that can occur in multiple schedules, in which the response rate in one component can change due to alterations in reinforcement or punishment schedules, in another component. Behavioral interactions can occur under appetitive or aversive contingencies, such as punishment contingencies. Regarding punishment contingencies, the literature reports conflicting data about the occurrence of contrast or induction with non-humans, mostly when electric shock is the punisher. The goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of behavioral interactions in multiple schedules using the hot blast air (HBA) as punisher. Sixteen albino rats were exposed to the phases: Pre-Punishment, Punishment, and Post-Punishment. In all three phases, a multiple schedule with two components was in effect. The reinforcement schedule for bar press responding in both components was variable interval 30-s (VI 30 s), in all phases. In Punishment phase, the HBA was administered contingent on each bar pressing response, in the light component for half of the subjects, and in the dark for the other half. Negative induction occurred in the non-punishment component, mainly in the initial punishment sessions; response rates in this component recovered across sessions, and, for three rats, resulted in behavioral contrast. The occurrence of contrast seems to be related to the number of sessions of exposure to the punisher.Keywords: behavioral interaction, punishment, contrast, induction.