bach's behavior [4 articles]

Abstract

The authors analyze prevalent theoretical and empirical quantitative models of choice using data from European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). The different models originate from diverse lines of thinking, including optimal foraging theory, descriptive behavioral analysis, and temporal discounting. The authors also investigate the Sequential Choice Model (SCM) that predicts choice between simultaneous alternatives as a function of behavior in sequential encounters. SCM assumes that simultaneous encounters are rare in nature, where animals often exploit or dismiss single opportunities. Mechanisms of choice adapted ...

Abstract

Much research has focused on the effects of environmental variability on foraging decisions. However, the general pattern of preference for variability in delay to reward and aversion to variability in amount of reward remains unexplained a either a mechanistic or a functional level. Starlings' preferences between a fixed and a variable option were studied in two treatments, A and D. The fixed option was the same in both treatments (20-s fixed-interval delay, five units food). In Treatment A the variable option ...

Abstract

Pigeons were given a choice between two identical-duration situations (terminal links of chain schedules). One terminal link of the choice pair provided two food deliveries, and the other provided five. The exact times of these food deliveries differed between the terminal links and were varied over conditions. A single response during the initial link gave immediate access to the corresponding terminal link. Forced trials, during which only one of the initial-link keys was lighted, were interspersed with choice trials during which ...