PSYC 181 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Matching Law, Impulsivity, Ontogeny
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In the laboratory, choice and preference are investigated by arranging concurrent schedules of reinforcement. The dependent variable is the relative rate of response. The independent variable is the relative rate of reinforcement: be able to define the difference between concurrent ratio and interval schedules. In concurrent interval schedules, a single response must occur on each response key after a defined or variable amount of time. Vi schedules are commonly used to study choice because they are sensitive to the rate of reinforcement on each alternative. In concurrent ratio schedules, an amount of responses is required before gaining access to reinforcement: write down and explain the components of the matching equation. Delay discounting involves decisions between small, immediate and large, delayed rewards. One way to demonstrate the effectiveness of a reinforcer is by use of the new- response method, a method in which a contingency is arranged between a new response: we usually study conditioned reinforcers by chain schedules.
