Self control is defined as choosing a larger, delayed reinforcer over a smaller, more immediate reinforcer with the opposite defined as impulsivity. In general, results from self-control research involving avian and non-primate mammalian subjects have shown a strong to moderate impulsive choice bias whereas studies using adult humans and non-human primates have shown a strong self-control bias. While the non-human self-control literature is rich with studies using select avian and mammalian species, there is very little self-control literature on the choice behaviors of fish or social reward. The present experiment assessed preference in male Betta splendens using an immediate/2 sec mirror access option verses a 15 sec delay/15 sec mirror access option. Results revealed a statistically significant bias for the self-control choice option. The findings are discussed in terms of current theories of choice behavior and are compared to choice preferences in avian and mammalian species.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MONTANA/oai:etd.lib.umt.edu:etd-05232008-130704 |
Date | 07 August 2008 |
Creators | Collins, Christopher Matthew |
Contributors | Dr. Allen D. Szalda-Petree, Dr. Wendy Shields, Dr. Jerry Smith |
Publisher | The University of Montana |
Source Sets | University of Montana Missoula |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf |
Source | http://etd.lib.umt.edu/theses/available/etd-05232008-130704/ |
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