Document Type

Dissertation

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

PhD in Behavior Analysis

Dissertation Defense Date

2024-08-22

First Advisor

Thompson, Rachel

First Committee Member

Peck, Sara

Second Committee Member

Palmer, David

Additional Committee Member(s)

Dickson, Chata

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to assess the generality of the matching law extended to common human behavior, text messaging, in a gamified preparation. Random ratio schedule values were generated and distributed across two concurrently available alternatives, with differing reinforcer densities, in which points were delivered when response requirements were satisfied. Each participant experienced two combinations of reinforcer densities arranged across response alternatives in four experimental conditions, and each condition was replicated. Reinforcer assessments were conducted with all participants to confirm that points functioned as reinforcers. Response rate log ratio, programmed reinforcement rate log ratio, and obtained reinforcement rate log ratios were reported for each session, and the generalized matching equation (GME) was then fit to individual response and reinforcement rate log ratio data. The behavior of all participants was controlled by manipulations of relative reinforcement rate, and the GME well described the data. Our findings replicate and extend previous human operant matching research, and our novel preparation may be adapted to study a variety of behavioral phenomena.

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