Stimulus control of behavior induced by a periodic schedule of food presentation in pigeons
Four pigeons were exposed to a fixed-time (FT) 27-sec schedule of food presentation in a large chamber partitioned into several areas. Each area provided different environmental support stimuli, such as water, nesting material, or the opportunity to observe another bird. A stereotyped pattern of behavior developed, with the birds leaving the food area early in intervals (interim activity) and returning to perform a food-related behavior (terminal response) toward the end of intervals. Unlike rats under similar conditions, the pigeons’ interim activities did not seem to be under the direct control of environmental stimuli. Early in intervals, the birds simply turned and walked away from the food area for a few seconds, before returning to perform the terminal response. © 1980, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.
