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Measuring behavioral momentum.

John A. Nevin1

  • 1University of New Hampshire, 03824, Durham, NH, USA

Behavioural Processes
|April 12, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Behavioral momentum theory explains how disruptions affect behavior. Research indicates that resistance to change in multiple schedules and concurrent chains provides a reliable way to measure behavioral mass and force.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Operant conditioning
  • Psychophysics

Background:

  • The behavioral momentum metaphor posits that disruptions to ongoing operant behavior result in changes in response rate.
  • These changes are influenced by a force-like aspect of the disruptor and inversely by behavioral mass.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether differential resistance to change in multiple schedules and concurrent chains meets ratio-scale measurement requirements.
  • To determine if this resistance is additive when combining different disruptors and reinforcement dimensions.
  • To establish a basis for scaling behavioral force and mass.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing data sets from multiple schedule experiments.
  • Examination of preference data from concurrent chains experiments.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of additivity and ratio-scale properties of differential resistance to change.

    • Main Results:

    • Differential resistance to change in multiple schedules satisfies ratio-scale requirements and is additive.
    • This resistance allows for scaling of force (related to disruptor properties) and mass (related to reinforcer properties).
    • Preference in concurrent chains also demonstrates ratio-scale measurement and additivity, converging with behavioral mass measurements.

    Conclusions:

    • Differential resistance to change serves as a valid and additive measure of behavioral momentum.
    • This provides a quantitative framework for understanding the interplay of behavioral mass and disruptive forces.
    • Behavioral momentum theory offers a robust model for analyzing operant behavior and its resistance to change.