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Published on: June 5, 2016
Replacing relative reinforcing efficacy with behavioral economic demand curves
Matthew W Johnson1, Warren K Bickel
1University of Vermont, USA. mwj@jhu.edu
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|April 11, 2006
Summary
Behavioral economics demand curves robustly align with traditional measures of relative reinforcing efficacy, even when reinforcer demand changes. This suggests demand curves can replace older methods for assessing reinforcer strength.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Relative reinforcing efficacy (RRE) measures the strength of reinforcers.
- Traditional RRE measures yield inconsistent results.
- Behavioral economic (BE) measures offer a framework to reconcile discordant RRE findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if the congruence between traditional RRE and BE demand curve measures persists when reinforcer demand is altered.
- To evaluate the robustness of BE measures in understanding reinforcer preference.
Main Methods:
- Cigarette smokers completed progressive-ratio schedules for cigarettes or money.
- Demand for reinforcers was assessed using single- and concurrent-schedule sessions.
- Progressive-ratio breakpoint, peak response rate, and BE demand curve parameters (Pmax, Omax) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- BE demand curve measures (Pmax, Omax) significantly correlated with traditional RRE measures (breakpoint, peak response rate).
- Demand curve locations predicted concurrent schedule preferences.
- Congruence between traditional and BE measures remained despite altered money magnitude.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral economic demand curves provide a robust and consistent measure of relative reinforcing efficacy.
- Demand curve analysis explains variations in concordance between traditional RRE measures.
- Demand curves should replace traditional measures for assessing relative reinforcing efficacy.
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