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Question 243

Pecking Patterns Study

Researchers wanted to investigate how different reinforcement schedules and consequences influence learning in pigeons.

Pigeons were trained to peck a sequence of three illuminated keys (Red, Blue, Green) in a specific order.

Each pigeon was randomly assigned to one of four conditions:

  • Condition A: A food pellet was delivered every time the pigeon performed the correct sequence of pecks exactly 4 times in a row.
  • Condition B: A food pellet was delivered after the pigeon performed the correct sequence a variable number of times, averaging between 1 and 5 sessions (the exact target changed after each reward).
  • Condition C: A food pellet was delivered every 30 seconds, provided the pigeon had performed the correct sequence at least once during that time increment.
  • Condition D: A loud, unpleasant buzzer sounded immediately if the pigeon pecked an incorrect sequence of keys.

The table below shows the results of the 10-minute experimental trials.

Table 1: Pigeon response rates and sequence accuracy across four conditions

ConditionMean number of attempted key pecks (in 10 minutes)Mean number of correct key peck sequences (in 10 minutes)
Condition A4535
Condition B7858
Condition C2418
Condition D51

Using research evidence or psychological concepts, explain how operant conditioning theory could support the findings of the pecking patterns study.

[6]

Content Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
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Practise Edexcel A Level Psychology Content with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 1,059 questions covering Biological explanations of crime, Social explanations of crime, Cognitive and ethical interview techniques, Psychological formulation of offending, Cognitive-behavioural treatment for offenders, Biological treatment for offenders, Factors influencing eye-witness testimony, Factors influencing jury decision-making, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology, matched to the Edexcel A Level Psychology (9PS0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.

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