Sensitivity of children's behavior to probabilistic reward: effects of a decreasing-ratio lottery system on math performance.
Probabilistic reward has been shown to affect children's choice behavior in game-like activities. We examined the effects of a lottery system containing progressively lower exchange ratios on children's completion of math problems. Two of the 3 children completed problems above baseline levels until the chance of exchange dropped to 25%. This study describes a potentially useful method for examining reinforcement schedules in applied settings and extends previous research on probabilities of reinforcement.
Martens
Brian K
BK
Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, New York 13244-2340, USA.
Ardoin
Scott P
SP
Hilt
Alexandra M
AM
Lannie
Amanda L
AL
Panahon
Carlos J
CJ
Wolfe
Laurie A
LA
D000124:Achievement; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011336:Probability; D012201:Reward; D013997:Time Factors