Stimulus Control Established by the Handsigns for the Rock-Paper-Scissors Game: Increasing Sensitivity to Schedule Contingencies Through a Three-Choice Task

Abstract

Study Objective: The present study explored variables that might diminish the persistent stimulus control established in the rock-paper-scissors game, in which responding based on a circular relation is reinforced. Design: In the experimental task, participants chose the winner or loser of 2 or 3 handsigns on a computer screen. Training provided feedback; effects of the feedback were assessed in subsequent tests without feedback. Setting: The experiment was conducted individually with a laptop computer. Participants: 8 undergraduate students. Independent variables: The following conditions: 2-choice condition (2 handsigns from among rock, paper, or scissors) and 3-choice condition (all 3 at once). Measure: The percentage of correct responses in accordance with the contingency in which responding based on the linear relation of the number of unfolded fingers was reinforced. Results: When the 2-choice condition was presented before the 3-choice condition, the percentage of correct responses did not increase or decreased after an increase. In contrast, the percentage of correct responses increased after the 3-choice condition, and it also was maintained in the test. Conclusion: Choosing only 1 among the 3 handsigns (rock, paper, and scissors) may diminish the persistent stimulus control established in the rock-paper-scissors game.