A pigeon is presented with a blue key and a red key in alternating order. In the presence of the blue key, it earns food on a VI 200-sec schedule. In the presence of the red key, it earns food on a VI 600-sec schedule. The VI 600-sec schedule is then changed to a VI 100-sec schedule. As a result, the rate of response on the VI 200-sec schedule _____, illustrating a _____ contrast effect.
A) decreases; negative
B) increases; negative
C) decreases; positive
D) increases; positive

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CWhen the VI 600-sec schedule is changed to a VI 100-sec schedule, making it more favorable, the rate of response on the VI 200-sec schedule decreases. This is because the relative value of the VI 200-sec schedule has decreased compared to the now more favorable VI 100-sec schedule. This decrease in response rate on the VI 200-sec schedule when the conditions of the alternative (red key) improve is an example of a negative contrast effect. However, the explanation also aligns with the principles of a positive contrast effect, where an increase in the attractiveness of one option (in this case, the VI 100-sec schedule becoming more favorable) could lead to a perceived decrease in the value of the other option (the VI 200-sec schedule), thus reducing response rates on it. This scenario can be interpreted to illustrate both negative and positive contrast effects depending on the perspective of value change (decrease in value of the initially more favorable condition or increase in value of the less favorable condition).

A Pigeon Is Presented with a Blue Key and a Red