Effects of reinforcement magnitude on pigeons' preference for different fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement.

Pigeons chose between two keys in a two-link chain. The first link led to a fixed-ratio schedule. The ratio size and the length of food that followed changed across conditions.

Researchers recorded which key the bird picked first and how fast it pecked once the ratio began.

Birds spread their first-link choices in the same ratio as the food seconds per peck on each side.

Yet, once the ratio started, peck rate stayed flat no matter how big the ratio or the food portion.

Zimmerman (1969) ran simple FR schedules and saw that bigger food cuts the post-reinforcement pause. The new study agrees: amount matters, but it shows the effect shows up in choice, not in running rate.

PLISKOFF (1963) showed pigeons match response ratios to reinforcement ratios. Schwartz (1969) adds the rule: the match is driven by food amount per response, not just count.

Duncan et al. (1972) later showed birds hate long chains. Together the papers say: keep the path short and the payoff fat if you want strong preference.

When you set up concurrent programs for kids, think amount per response, not just rate. A token board with bigger payoffs on one side will pull choice even if the work chunk is larger. Check that the response cost per reinforcer minute is equal across options and you will see smooth allocation without extra effort during the work itself.