Optimization Theory Fails to Predict Performance of Pigeons in a Two-Response Situation
- 13 November 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science
- Vol. 214 (4522) , 823-825
- https://doi.org/10.1126/science.7292017
Abstract
Optimization theory states that organisms behave in a way that maximizes reinforcement or "value." In a two-response situation, pigeons' response proportions approximately equaled reinforcement proportions, even when this behavior pattern substantially decreased the rate of reinforcement. Optimization or reinforcement maximization was not supported as the basic mechanism underlying choice behavior.This publication has 12 references indexed in Scilit:
- Maximization theory in behavioral psychologyBehavioral and Brain Sciences, 1981
- IS MATCHING COMPATIBLE WITH REINFORCEMENT MAXIMIZATION ON CONCURRENT VARIABLE INTERVAL, VARIABLE RATIO?1Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1979
- A MOLAR THEORY OF REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULESJournal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1978
- The temporal triangle: Response substitution in instrumental conditioning.Psychological Review, 1978
- UNDERMATCHING: A REAPPRAISAL OF PERFORMANCE ON CONCURRENT VARIABLE‐INTERVAL SCHEDULES OF REINFORCEMENT1Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1977
- Diet Optimization with Nutrient ConstraintsThe American Naturalist, 1975
- FORMAL PROPERTIES OF THE MATCHING LAW1Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1974
- Theory of Feeding StrategiesAnnual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 1971
- CONCURRENT RESPONDING WITH FIXED RELATIVE RATE OF REINFORCEMENT1Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1969
- SECONDARY REINFORCEMENT AND RATE OF PRIMARY REINFORCEMENT1Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1964