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Related Experiment Videos

Human choice in "counterintuitive" situations: fixed- versus progressive-ratio schedules.

B A Wanchisen1, T A Tatham, P N Hineline

  • 1Temple University.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|July 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

College students chose between reinforcement schedules, optimizing for fewer responses per point. Results suggest longer exposure for human-animal comparison in reinforcement studies.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Operant Conditioning

Background:

  • Operant conditioning involves schedules of reinforcement influencing behavior.
  • Understanding human choice behavior under different reinforcement schedules is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate college undergraduates' choices between fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules.
  • To determine if human choices align with optimality principles in reinforcement.

Main Methods:

  • Participants chose between fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules.
  • Progressive-ratio requirements increased with each choice.
  • A reset condition returned the progressive ratio to baseline after fixed-ratio completion.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Schedule choices were sensitive to fixed-ratio schedule size.
  • Human choices aligned with minimizing responses per point earned.
  • Data suggest longer exposure for human-animal comparison in reinforcement.

    • Conclusions:

    • Human choice behavior in reinforcement tasks can be predicted by optimality principles.
    • Extended exposure to reinforcement schedules may be necessary for cross-species comparisons.