For several years, a pigeon has been receiving food each time it perches on your balcony in the morning. Another pigeon has recently started receiving food in this manner. If you stop feeding these pigeons, which of the following is likely to take place?
A) The first pigeon will most likely persist in obtaining food for a longer time than the second pigeon.
B) The first pigeon will most likely give up obtaining food more quickly than the second pigeon.
C) Both pigeons will most likely respond in irregular patterns.
D) Both pigeons will most likely show equal persistence.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first pigeon has a longer history of being reinforced for perching on the balcony, leading to a stronger habit. Therefore, it's likely to persist longer in the behavior even when the reinforcement (food) is no longer provided, demonstrating the principle of extinction in operant conditioning.

For Several Years, a Pigeon Has Been Receiving Food Each