In a study where pigeons were reinforced only if the pattern of pecks delivered to two keys was different from the previous 50 patterns, researchers determined that
A)reinforcement increases stereotypy.
B)behavioral variability can be the basis for instrumental reinforcement.
C)reinforcement decreases intrinsic motivation.
D)reinforcement decreases originality.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study showed that the pigeons increased their behavioral variability (i.e. changed the pattern of pecks) in order to receive reinforcement, indicating that instrumental reinforcement can be based on variability rather than simply repeating the same behavior over and over again.

In a Study Where Pigeons Were Reinforced Only If the Pattern