The sampling distribution of kappa

Behavioural Processes
Anthony P McLean

Abstract

Research on Herrnstein's single-schedule equation contains conflicting findings; some laboratories report variations in the k parameter with reinforcer value, and others report constancy. The reported variation in k typically occurs across very low reinforcer values, and constancy applies across higher values. Here, simulations were conducted assuming a wide range of reinforcer values, and the parameters of Herrnstein's equation were estimated for simulated responding. In the simulations, responses controlled by current reinforcement contingencies were added to other responses ('noise'), controlled by the experimental environment and by contingencies in effect at other times. Expected reinforcer rates were calculated by entering simulated responding into a reinforcement feedback function. These were then fitted using Herrnstein's hyperbola, and the sampling distributions of the two fitted parameters were studied. Both k and Re were underestimated by curve fitting when low-deprivation or reinforcer-quality conditions were simulated. Further simulations showed that k and Re were increasingly underestimated as the assumed noise level was increased, particularly when low-deprivation or reinforcer quality was assumed. It is conclude...Continue Reading

References

Jan 1, 1986·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·B A Williams, J T Wixted
Jan 1, 1986·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·J J McDowell
Jan 1, 1994·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·N M Petry, G M Heyman
Sep 30, 1999·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·J J McDowell, J Dallery
Feb 22, 2000·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·J DalleryJ S Lancaster
Jul 1, 1961·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·R J HERRNSTEIN
Sep 15, 2005·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·Richard L Shull
Sep 15, 2005·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·J J McDowell
Nov 3, 2005·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·Jesse DalleryJ J McDowell

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Dec 2, 2010·Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior·J J McDowell, Marcia L Caron

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.