Operant control of vocal behavior in the cat.

EVIDENCE OF OPERANT CONTROL OF VOCAL BEHAVIOR IN THE CAT IS PRESENTED: (1) On mult FR 12 S(Delta) schedule, cats miaowed rapidly during periods of S(D) and much less or not at all during S(Delta). (2) This control was re-established following reversal of stimuli. (3) The frequency distribution of response durations was shifted to both shorter and longer values by the differential reinforcement of shorter or longer response durations respectively. Since both the frequency and duration of vocal responses were shown to be under the control of the schedule of reinforcement, it is concluded that at least some of the vocal behavior of the cat is susceptible to operant control.