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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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Using Eye Movements Recorded in the Visual World Paradigm to Explore the Online Processing of Spoken Language

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Variability, stability, and the law of effect.

Edward A Wasserman1, Odysseus R P Orr1, Sophia Li1

  • 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Animal Learning and Cognition
|April 6, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Behaviors increase in frequency when rewarded, but this study shows variability also decreases. Pigeons maintained diverse sequences, suggesting a balance between stability and exploration.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Science
  • Neuroscience
  • Computer Science

Background:

  • Thorndike's Law of Effect states rewards strengthen behaviors.
  • This law obscures whether rewarded behaviors increase in frequency or decrease in variability.
  • Research on behavioral variability presents a theoretical puzzle with conflicting findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how reward affects behavioral frequency and variability.
  • To resolve the puzzle of whether behavioral variability decreases or fluctuates with consistent reward.
  • To understand the dynamic balance between behavioral stability and exploration.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a novel experimental task for pigeons.
  • Monitored sequential pecking of five distinct touchscreen buttons.
  • Collected data over 250 sessions with all sequences delivering food reward.

Main Results:

  • Pigeons decreased the diversity of sequences performed.
  • Pigeons continued to perform many different sequences.
  • Dominant sequences showed frequent rises and falls in performance.

Conclusions:

  • Consistently rewarded behavior balances stability (Law of Effect) and variability (exploration).
  • This balance, termed 'the edge of chaos,' ensures reliable reward acquisition and flexibility.
  • This principle may apply across behavioral science, neuroscience, and computer science.