An amusing experiment
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:36 pm
Here is an excerpt from a psychology book of mine:
Skinner placed pigeons in separate experimental chambers and set the equipment to deliver a bit of food every 15 seconds irrespective of what the pigeons were doing. The birds were not required to peck a key or perform any other specified response to get the food. After some time, Skinner returned to see what his birds were doing. He described some of what he saw as follows:
In six of eight cases the resulting responses were so clearly defined that two observers could agree perfectly in counting instances. One bird was conditioned to turn counter-clockwise about the cage, making two or three turns between reinforcements. Another repeatedly thrust its head into one of the upper corners of the cage. A third developed a “tossing” response, as if placing its head beneath an invisible bar and lifting it repeatedly. (p. 168)
The pigeons appeared to be responding as if their behavior controlled the delivery of the reinforcer, when, in fact, food was provided independently of behavior. Accordingly, Skinner calld this superstitious behavior.
:D
Skinner placed pigeons in separate experimental chambers and set the equipment to deliver a bit of food every 15 seconds irrespective of what the pigeons were doing. The birds were not required to peck a key or perform any other specified response to get the food. After some time, Skinner returned to see what his birds were doing. He described some of what he saw as follows:
In six of eight cases the resulting responses were so clearly defined that two observers could agree perfectly in counting instances. One bird was conditioned to turn counter-clockwise about the cage, making two or three turns between reinforcements. Another repeatedly thrust its head into one of the upper corners of the cage. A third developed a “tossing” response, as if placing its head beneath an invisible bar and lifting it repeatedly. (p. 168)
The pigeons appeared to be responding as if their behavior controlled the delivery of the reinforcer, when, in fact, food was provided independently of behavior. Accordingly, Skinner calld this superstitious behavior.
:D