| Operant variability: evidence, functions, and theory. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 12613672 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Although responses are sometimes easy to predict, at other times responding seems highly variable, unpredictable, or even random. The inability to predict is generally attributed to ignorance of controlling variables, but this article is a review of research showing that the highest levels of behavioral variability may result from identifiable reinforcers contingent on such variability. That is, variability is an operant. Discriminative stimuli and reinforcers control it, resulting in low or high variability, depending on the contingencies. Schedule-of-reinforcement effects are orderly, and choosing to vary or repeat is lawfully governed by relative reinforcement frequencies. The operant nature of variability has important implications. For example, learning, exploring, creating, and problem solving may partly depend on it. Abnormal levels of variability, including those found in psychopathologies such as autism, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may be modified through reinforcement. Operant variability may also help to explain some of the unique attributes of voluntary action. |
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Authors:
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Allen Neuringer |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Psychonomic bulletin & review Volume: 9 ISSN: 1069-9384 ISO Abbreviation: Psychon Bull Rev Publication Date: 2002 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2003-03-04 Completed Date: 2003-07-03 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9502924 Medline TA: Psychon Bull Rev Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 672-705 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Reed College, Portland, Oregon 97202, USA. allen.neuringer@reed.edu |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Analysis of Variance Animals Association Learning* Awareness Behavior Therapy Conditioning, Operant* Humans Motivation* Reinforcement Schedule* Species Specificity |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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