Multidimensional Analysis of Pigeons’ Behavior under Ratio and Interval Schedules Using a Video Tracking System: A Pilot Study

Abstract In studies on reinforcement schedules, the target behavior (which is the operant behavior to be measured) is defined as an act on an operandum, and its occurrence is measured discretely on a time axis. These studies have provided significant findings on the functional relationship between the environment and behavior in terms of the temporal dimension of behavior. However, the effects of reinforcement schedules on the spatial dimensions of the target behavior and other behaviors have not been fully investigated. This study measured the positions of multiple body parts of pigeons under fixed-ratio, fixed-interval, variable-ratio, and variable-interval schedules using a video-tracking system. The results showed that the movement pattern of pigeons varied more in the fixed-ratio schedule than in the other schedules and that the speed of movement differed between the schedules. These findings demonstrate the potential of multidimensional analyses using video tracking systems. Further refinements in measurement and analytical methodologies are required.