Table 1.
Probabilistic discounting and training acquisition criteria.
| Experimental phases | Acquisition criteria | Sessions to reach criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1. Acclimation | >90% food pellet retrieval | 1 session |
| Phase 2. Fixed-ratio reinforcement: center lever (FR1 – FR5) | >85% of animals completed 50 trials successfully for two consecutive sessions | 5 sessions |
| Phase 3. Discrete trials: Side lever press training | >85% of animals completed 50 trials successfully for two consecutive sessions | 3 sessions |
| Phase 4. Probabilistic lever training | >85% of animals select the probabilistic lever on >85% of free-choice trials for two consecutive sessions | 6–8 sessions |
| Phase 5. Probabilistic discounting task | Baseline stability as a group. Assessed by one-way ANOVA for repeated measures (RP and day) as independent factors | 17–21 sessions |