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A discriminated rapid-acquisition laboratory procedure for human continuous choice
Bryan Klapes1, Olivia L Calvin1,2, J J McDowell1
1Department of Psychology, Emory University.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|June 17, 2020
Summary
A new rapid procedure (PRESS-B) efficiently studies human continuous choice behavior in the lab. This method reduces participant time while yielding data that accurately fits the generalized matching law (GML).
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Psychology
- Reinforcement learning
Background:
- Traditional continuous choice laboratory procedures are time-consuming.
- Existing methods often provide poor fits to the generalized matching law (GML).
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, rapid-acquisition laboratory procedure (PRESS-B) for human continuous choice studies.
- To reduce participant burden and time commitment in laboratory settings.
- To generate data that aligns well with the GML.
Main Methods:
- Developed the Procedure for Rapidly Establishing Steady-State Behavior (PRESS-B).
- 27 human participants completed a single 37-min session.
- Participants were exposed to 9 concurrent random-interval reinforcement schedules.
Main Results:
- The GML provided excellent fits to participant data (median R²: 0.94).
- Parameter estimates were consistent with previous human continuous choice studies.
- PRESS-B successfully generated human continuous choice behavior conforming to the GML.
Conclusions:
- PRESS-B is an efficient method for studying human continuous choice behavior.
- The procedure significantly reduces experimental duration and participant burden.
- PRESS-B yields reliable data that adheres to the GML.