title: Effects of a history of differential reinforcement on preference for choice.
abstract: The effects of a history of differential reinforcement for selecting a free-choice versus a restricted-choice stimulus arrangement on the subsequent responding of 7 undergraduates in a computer-based game of chance were examined using a concurrent-chains arrangement and a multiple-baseline-across-participants design. In the free-choice arrangement, participants selected three numbers, in any order, from an array of eight numbers presented on the computer screen. In the restricted-choice arrangement, participants selected the order of three numbers preselected from the array of eight by a computer program. In initial sessions, all participants demonstrated no consistent preference or preference for restricted choice. Differential reinforcement of free-choice selections resulted in increased preference for free choice immediately and in subsequent sessions in the absence of programmed differential outcomes. For 5 participants, changes in preference for choice were both robust and lasting, suggesting that a history of differential reinforcement for choice may affect preference for choice.
authors.affiliation: Western New England College, MA, USA. allen@redtreehill.org
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karsina
authors.forename: Rachel H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D009042:Motivation; D011337:Probability Learning; D011930:Reaction Time; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D018910:Video Games; D055815:Young Adult