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Reinforcement in applied settings: figuring out ahead of time what will work
W Timberlake1, V A Farmer-Dougan
1Department of Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405.
Psychological Bulletin
|November 1, 1991
Summary
This review traces the evolution of reinforcement control theories, highlighting the response deprivation and disequilibrium approach as a key advancement for predicting reinforcement circumstances.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Learning Theory
Background:
- Early theories like Meehl's transituational-reinforcer approach and Premack's probability-differential model offered initial frameworks for understanding reinforcement.
- These models laid the groundwork for more sophisticated conceptualizations of reinforcement predictability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the practical utility of conceptual frameworks for predicting reinforcement conditions.
- To assess the simplicity, accuracy, and adaptability of different theoretical approaches to reinforcement.
Main Methods:
- Historical review and comparative analysis of major reinforcement theories.
- Evaluation of theoretical approaches based on empirical applicability and predictive power.
Main Results:
- The response deprivation and disequilibrium approach represents a significant advancement over previous models.
- This approach demonstrates superior ability to account for and extend current reinforcement control techniques.
Conclusions:
- The disequilibrium approach offers a clearer understanding of how to predict reinforcement circumstances accurately.
- Further development of the disequilibrium approach necessitates collaboration between applied and basic research.