Document Type
Dissertation
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree
PhD in Behavior Analysis
Dissertation Defense Date
2010
First Committee Member
Thompson, Rachel H.
Second Committee Member
Bourret, Jason C.
Third Committee Member
Karsten, Amanda M.
Additional Committee Member(s)
Palmer, David
Abstract
"Two experiments used a concurrent-chains arrangement to investigate the variables affecting preference for choice within a computer-based game of chance. In Experiment 1, the effects of a history of differential reinforcement for choice on the subsequent responding of 7 undergraduates were examined using a multiple-baseline-across-participants design. For all participants, differential reinforcement of an alternative in which participants selected numbers versus an alternative in which numbers were generated resulted in increased preference for choice. For 5 participants, changes in preference for choice were both robust and lasting. In Experiment 2, the effects of parametric reinforcement manipulations across different information conditions (i.e., conditions with and without a statement of the odds of winning and points won by alternative) on preference for choice and verbal reports of the efficacy of choice were examined using a reversal (all participants) and a multiple-baseline-across-participants design (4 participants). During baseline sessions with no differential reinforcement, 6 participants displayed a preference for choice and reported that the choice alternative had “better odds of winning.” Results varied across participants but generally demonstrated that preference for choice and reports of the efficacy of choice can be influenced by differential reinforcement and information."
Recommended Citation
Karsina, Allen, "Some determinants of choice within a computer-based game of chance" (2010). Doctoral Dissertations - College of Arts and Sciences. 27.
https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/casdissertations/27