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1 results

  • 10 - Mechanisms Underlying Absolute and Relative Reward Value in Vertebrates

  • from Part I - Evolution of Learning Processes
  • Edited by Mark A. Krause, Southern Oregon University, Karen L. Hollis, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, Mauricio R. Papini, Texas Christian University
  • Book:
    Evolution of Learning and Memory Mechanisms
    Published online:
    26 May 2022
    Print publication:
    19 May 2022, pp 176-192

  • Summary

    In his Nichomachean ethics, Aristotle suggested that absolute judgments precede relative judgments. This chapter places this notion in an evolutionary context by centering on comparative research on successive negative contrast (SNC). SNC occurs when a downshift from a more preferred to a less preferred reward deteriorates behavior. SNC is observed in experiments with mammals, but not in experiments with goldfish (bony fish), toads (amphibian), or turtles (reptile). Pigeons and starlings (birds) have produced a mixed set of results. Since E. L. Thorndike, an understanding of animal learning has been influenced by the notion that rewards strengthen behavior and nonrewards weaken behavior — the strengthening/weakening principle.Outcomes fitting this principle provide evidence of control by absolute reward value, whereas results that violate this principle, like SNC, suggest control by relative reward value. Comparative research suggests that absolute reward effects are more general than relative reward effects.