Skip to content

Course home

Content

Content

EasyMediumHard
1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Question 34

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]
Markscheme

Content Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Content

205 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Content, covering Main features of classical conditioning, Pavlov (1927) salivation in dogs, Main features of operant conditioning, Properties of reinforcement, Behaviour modification and shaping, Main features of social learning theory, Social learning stages, Bandura (1961, 1963) Bobo doll experiments, Bandura (1965) vicarious reinforcement, Learning theories and phobias, Treatments for phobias, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

Question bank