OPTIMAL BEHAVIOR ON FREE-OPERANT EXPERIMENTS

Expected utility theory successfully predicts the steady-state relative frequencies of the 2 alternatives in 2-key, discrete-trial probability-learning experiments, in concurrent variable interval (VI) schedules, and in concurrent VI schedules modified to study magnitude and delay of reinforcement and conditioned reinforcement. It also successfully predicts the relative frequencies of interresponse times in 1-key VI schedules. Different interresponse times between pecks on a single key and pecks on different keys are treated as different instances of concurrent operants that have basically the same functional relationships with reinforcement variables. The theory states that an S chooses whichever alternative momentarily has the greatest weighted probability of reinforcement. (2 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.