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Precurrent contingencies: Behavior reinforced by altering reinforcement probability for other behavior
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|May 1, 1994
Summary
This study shows that a precurrent contingency, where one activity boosts reinforcement for another, increases the targeted activity. This behavior modification offers insights into self-control and complex decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Operant Conditioning
Background:
- Precurrent behavior involves activities that increase the likelihood of future reinforcement.
- Understanding precurrent behavior is crucial for explaining complex human actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a precurrent contingency on behavior.
- To determine if a precurrent activity can enhance the probability of a current activity.
Main Methods:
- Four human subjects used a two-key mouse to respond.
- A precurrent contingency condition increased reinforcement probability for right-key presses following left-key presses.
- A control condition lacked the precurrent contingency.
Main Results:
- Three subjects acquired the precurrent left-key responding behavior.
- Left-key responding was maintained at higher levels when the precurrent contingency was present.
- Subjects adapted efficiently by increasing right-key responses after left-key responses.
Conclusions:
- Precurrent contingencies effectively establish and maintain behavior that increases future reinforcement.
- This research provides a foundation for understanding complex behaviors like self-control and choice.
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