[Fred Nickols (970912.0642 EST)]
Hans Blom, 970911b
In my humble opinion, it is not a _thing_ that reinforces, but the
_perception_ (even though it may still be partial or hazy) _of a
relationship_: it is the perceived _contingency_ of the delivery that
reinforces (changes behavior). The rat somehow (mechanism to be
elucidated...) "discovers" that pushing a lever is related to
("causes") delivery of a food pellet. It is this "knowledge" of a
relationship that is "strengthened" (becomes more certain) when
examples of it come about repeatedly and consistently. Concurrent
with this "knowledge discovery" is _using_ that knowledge in
accomplishing the rat's current goals, whether that be eating or
getting away from the stuff.
This not-so-humble one shares that opinion.
Greetings to you, too, Hans...
Regards,
Fred Nickols
nickols@worldnet.att.net