The kinetics of choice: An operant systems analysis

The behaving organism and its environment constitute interacting elements of a feedback system. Starting with a kinetic model of the effects of reinforcement on preference and incorporating feedback functions describing the effects of responding on reinforcement rate, a systems analysis of concurrent reinforcement schedule situations was developed. Correct predictions were generated of both the form of the acquisition of preference and of asymptotic preference levels for choice between probabilistic reinforcement schedules (i.e., VI and VR). A kinetic model was then formulated at the level of switching behavior. All predictions at the molar (preference) level followed also from this molecular analysis. In addition, the switching model correctly predicted a constant sum of transition probabilities (local switching rates) and a decrease in overall switching rate as both preference strength and the difference between reinforcement rates increased. The present systems analysis is seen as being unique among recent theoretical efforts concerned with schedules of reinforcement in its ability to describe molecular as well as molar properties of both transition-state and steady-state behavior. (41 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).