Examines Weir's hypothesis of a U-shaped relationship between age and terminal level of correct responding; studies use of alternation patterning as a response strategy; investigates extent to which immediate reinforcement controlled the subjects' choices. The results reported here are based on part of a doctoral dissertation submitted by the…

The purpose of this study was to measure nonverbally the preference of alternative responses when the net probability of being rewarded was the same. A demonstration of preference under these circumstances would suggest the ability to control or maintain behavior without explicit administration of a reinforcing agent. Head Start children were used…