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An evolutionary model of reinforcer value.

Matthias Borgstede1

  • 1University of Bamberg, Markusplatz 3, D-96047 Bamberg, Germany.

Behavioural Processes
|March 27, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study defines reinforcer value in behavioral psychology, linking it to evolutionary fitness. The model shows reinforcer value equals expected marginal effects on fitness, aiding learning theory development.

Keywords:
Evolutionary fitnessGeneralized matching lawPhylogenetically important eventReinforcer valueSelection by consequences

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Learning Theory

Background:

  • Natural selection favors traits maximizing evolutionary fitness.
  • Behavioral psychology posits individuals maximize reinforcer value through operant learning.
  • A clear definition of behavioral 'reinforcer value' is lacking, hindering learning theory testing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a formal model of reinforcer value.
  • To establish a conceptual link between behavioral psychology and evolutionary biology.
  • To provide a well-defined maximand for reinforcement theories.

Main Methods:

  • Formal modeling of reinforcer value.
  • Integrating concepts of evolutionary fitness and behavioral reinforcement.
  • Applying the model to matching behavior.

Main Results:

  • The reinforcer value of a time unit in a behavior equals its expected marginal effect on evolutionary fitness.
  • The model provides a formal definition for reinforcer value.
  • Demonstrates how to derive new hypotheses from the link between reinforcer value and fitness.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed model formally defines reinforcer value, connecting behavioral psychology and evolutionary biology.
  • This clarification is essential for advancing and empirically testing learning theories.
  • The model offers a framework for generating novel hypotheses in reinforcement research.