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Human sensitivity to reinforcement in operant choice: How much do consequences matter?
S H Kollins1, M C Newland, T S Critchfield
1Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, kollish@fiona.umsmed.edu.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|February 19, 2011
Summary
Human operant conditioning experiments may overestimate species differences in behavioral sensitivity. Methodological issues, not inherent species discontinuities, likely explain observed variations in reinforcement sensitivity between humans and nonhumans.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Comparative psychology
- Operant conditioning
Background:
- Human operant conditioning studies often suggest lower sensitivity to reinforcement consequences compared to nonhumans.
- This perceived difference implies species discontinuities in fundamental behavioral processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reanalyze existing data on human operant conditioning and reinforcement sensitivity.
- To investigate the validity of species discontinuity explanations for observed behavioral differences.
Main Methods:
- Reanalysis of 311 data sets from 25 studies.
- Studies utilized variable-interval schedules of reinforcement to assess sensitivity.
- Focus on human behavioral allocation among alternatives.
Main Results:
- Reanalysis confirmed that human behavioral allocation deviates from predictions based on programmed reinforcement rates.
- Close inspection revealed significant methodological issues in the original studies.
- These methodological factors heavily contributed to the observed human-nonhuman differences.
Conclusions:
- The observed differences in reinforcement sensitivity are largely attributable to methodological limitations, not species discontinuities.
- An explanation based on inherent species differences in basic behavioral processes is not supported by the evidence.
- Future research should address methodological rigor to accurately compare human and nonhuman operant behavior.
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01:21Operant Conditioning
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01:06Law of Effect
B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
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01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
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01:24Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
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01:23Reinforcement
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