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Momentary and global maximizing
1Psychology Dept., Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164-4830 USA.
Behavioural Processes
|June 5, 2014
Summary
This study investigated how individuals maximize rewards under different reinforcement schedules. Results indicate a tendency to favor options with higher immediate reward probabilities, aligning with momentary maximization strategies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Operant conditioning
- Decision-making under uncertainty
Background:
- Understanding reinforcement schedules is crucial for explaining animal and human behavior.
- Concurrent variable-interval schedules present complex choice scenarios.
- Previous research has explored optimal strategies for maximizing reinforcement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine response allocation in adult humans under concurrent variable-interval reinforcement schedules.
- To determine if subjects adopt strategies to maximize overall reinforcement.
- To investigate the relationship between reinforcement probability and response allocation.
Main Methods:
- Four adult female subjects participated.
- Subjects operated a computer console with three concurrent variable-interval schedules.
- Instructions focused on maximizing reinforcers without specifying a strategy.
Main Results:
- Three out of four subjects allocated more responses to the schedule with the higher reinforcement probability.
- Subjects' behavior approximated a momentary maximizing strategy.
- Individual differences in response allocation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Human subjects may employ momentary maximization strategies when attempting to maximize overall reinforcement.
- Behavior under concurrent schedules can be influenced by immediate reward probabilities.
- Further research is needed to explore factors influencing strategy selection.
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