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Related Experiment Videos

Determinants of human performance on concurrent schedules

P J Horne1, C F Lowe

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Human performance on concurrent schedules varied, with many subjects not matching predictions. Rule-governed behavior, not just reinforcement, influenced choices in this study of human operant behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Human operant behavior
  • Reinforcement schedules

Background:

  • Human performance on concurrent variable-interval schedules is not fully understood.
  • Previous research often uses animal models, with limited understanding of human-specific determinants.
  • The generalized matching equation is a common model for predicting choice behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate factors influencing human performance on multiple concurrent variable-interval schedules.
  • To compare human performance with established models from animal behavior research.
  • To explore the role of rule-governed behavior in human choice under complex reinforcement schedules.

Main Methods:

  • Six experiments involving 30 human adults using a two-key procedure.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Manipulation of changeover delay, ordinal cues, and instructional information.
  • Assessment of performance using the generalized matching equation and postexperimental questionnaires.

    • Main Results:

    • Only 13 of 30 subjects' performances fit the generalized matching equation.
    • Observed behaviors included indifference, undermatching, approximate matching, overmatching, and exclusive responding to richer schedules.
    • Performance modes correlated with self-reported rules, suggesting rule-governed behavior influenced choices.

    Conclusions:

    • Human choice behavior on concurrent schedules is influenced by factors beyond direct reinforcement contingencies, such as rule-governed behavior.
    • The generalized matching equation may not fully capture human performance due to cognitive factors.
    • Further research is needed to understand the interplay between rules and contingencies in human decision-making.