Mechanics of reinforcement

A key construct in Killeen’s (1994) mechanics is the short-term memory trace. It is asserted that reinforcement strengthens whatever is in STM. On short schedules, this includes the memory of the consummatory behavior elicited by the prior reinforcer, which undermines high rates on those schedules. This memorial interpretation is tested by evaluating the rates of decay of short-term memory for colored key-lights in a dozen pigeons; those rates are correlated with the (inferred) rates of decay of memory for pecking in the same animals on ratio schedules.