| dc.description.abstract | The effects of Variable Interval (VI)
schedules of reinforcement on the dispersion
patterns and aggregate densities of a small
population of rats was studied. Eight male rats
were permanently housed in an arena in which food
pellets were delivered to eight food troughs when
a bar press response followed a scheduled period
of time. Once every minute for each 30 minute
session the dispersion and density of the rats in
the arena was recorded. There were 20 sessions in
which the rats were exposed to each of the
following VI values; 5, 10, 20, *40 and 80.
Gradual changes in dispersion and density over
ascending VI values were observed and formed
curvilinear U-shaped relationships. This supports
the contention that VI schedules of reinforcement
influence the spatial and temporal dispersion and
density of rat colony members. It is suggested
that ecological data can be studied in terms of
operant behavioural principles. | |
