The Matching Law in Hamsters

Abstract

Most studies of the matching law have used pigeons or rats. Hamsters usually do not consume food immediately but store it in their cheek pouches. In the present experiment, three hamsters were trained on Concurrent Variable Interval-Variable Interval (Cone VI-VI) schedules with food reinforcement in an operant chamber with two levers.The value of the VI schedule was changed from 10 s to 90 s. A linear regression of log reinforcement ratio to log response ratio described the choice behavior of the hamsters well. These results suggest the applicability of the generalized matching law to operant behavior that is not immediately followed by consummatory behavior.