Effect of Light on Thermal Reinforcement in Behavioral Thermoregulation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect (reinforcing or aversive) of the combination of light and heat for the presentation of thermal reinforcement in behavioral thermoregulation. The results obtained indicate that the light-heat reinforcement group requires significantly less reinforcers and bar-presses for reaching the learning criterion than the heat-reinforced group. However, the time for reaching criterion and the performance observed after learning has occurred are not significantly different. The results show that light is not an aversive factor in this condition and are explained in relation to the temporary and transitory effect of sensory reinforcement suggested by Tapp and Simpson (1960).