Reinforcement maximization by identifying and following switching rules that occurred on conFR/VI-10 sec. reinforcement schedules did not occur when the subject experienced conFR/VI-20 sec. reinforcement schedules. Exclusive preference for the schedule with the lower valued N on conFR-N/FR-N schedules occurred as predicted by both matching and maximization theories of operant choice behavior. Additional research is required to assess the reliability of the phenomenon observed and factors upon which its occurrence may depend.
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