OF PIGEONS AND PEOPLE: SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SPECIES DIFFERENCES IN CHOICE AND SELF-CONTROL

Abstract

Cross-species continuity in behavior is widely assumed in behavior analysis, and yet some recent research appears to challenge a strong version of the continuity assumption. This paper reviews potential sources of human-nonhuman discontinuity in the area of choice and self-control. Special emphasis is given to differences in the procedures used to study humans and other animals, which hinder cross-species comparisons. Modifying the procedures used with nonhumans (through the use of token-type reinforcement systems) and with humans (through the use of consumable-type reinforcement systems) brings the choice patterns of humans and other animals into better accord. This suggests that at least some of the reported differences in self-control choices in humans and other animals reflect procedural differences rather than more fundamental differences in behavioral process. By narrowing the methodological chasm separating human and nonhuman procedures, this research points to more effective strategies for assessing cross-species continuity in behavior. Key words: choice, self-control, token reinforcement, consumable reinforcement, species continuity.