Signal Detection Analysis of Deprivation-Incentive Relations with Rats

Abstract

The problem of deprivation-incentive relationships is considered in terms of the theory of signal detection. Different concentration sucrose incentives are conceptualized as signal and noise and food deprivation is considered to lower the response criterion. It was predicted that incentives of relatively small concentration difference would not produce interactions (even though a main effect of incentive were present) but that widely separated concentrations would. This was given some support in two experiments, one with bar pressing on concurrent schedules and one with a double-alley straight runway.