Operant matching is not a logical consequence of maximizing reinforcement rate
نویسندگان
چکیده
The distribution of behavior between concurrently available schedules of reinforcement approximates the distribution of reinforcements between the schedules. This equality, called matching, has been explained as an instance of the principle that organisms maximize reinforcement rate. However, a precise account of the relationship between the distribution of behavior and reinforcement rate on the standard concurrent schedule shows that matching and maximizing are different.
منابع مشابه
Matching and Maximizing in Concurrent Schedules
In a recent article, Staddon and Motheral derived a mathematical model of responding in concurrent variable-interval-variable-interval schedules. According to this model, maximization of overall reinforcement rate predicts the operant matching law. However, Staddon and Motheral's derivation ignores a fundamental aspect of the concurrent schedule contingency. There are two simultaneously availab...
متن کاملReply to Rachlin’s comment
The primary purpose of our article was to demonstrate unambiguously that matching does not necessarily follow from maximization of overall reinforcement rate, as appears to have been suggested by some writers. Evidently, Rachlin (1979) now accepts that as some slight contribution, since he raises the question, "But are there switching patterns for which matching and maximizing are the same?" wh...
متن کاملStudies of wheel-running reinforcement: parameters of Herrnstein's (1970) response-strength equation vary with schedule order.
Six male Wistar rats were exposed to different orders of reinforcement schedules to investigate if estimates from Herrnstein's (1970) single-operant matching law equation would vary systematically with schedule order. Reinforcement schedules were arranged in orders of increasing and decreasing reinforcement rate. Subsequently, all rats were exposed to a single reinforcement schedule within a se...
متن کاملOperant variability: procedures and processes.
Barba’s (2012) article deftly weaves three main themes in one argument about operant variability. From general theoretical considerations on operant behavior (Catania, 1973), Barba derives methodological guidelines about response differentiation and applies them to the study of operant variability. In the process, he uncovers unnoticed features of operant variability research (e.g., Neuringer, ...
متن کاملOperant conditioning
Operant behavior is behavior "controlled" by its consequences. In practice, operant conditioning is the study of reversible behavior maintained by reinforcement schedules. We review empirical studies and theoretical approaches to two large classes of operant behavior: interval timing and choice. We discuss cognitive versus behavioral approaches to timing, the "gap" experiment and its implicatio...
متن کامل