An analytic comparison of Herrnstein's equations and a multivariate rate equation

Herrnstein's equations are approximations of the multivariate rate equation at ordinary rates of reinforcement and responding. The rate equation is the result of a linear system analysis of variable-interval performance. Rate equation matching is more comprehensive than ordinary matching because it predicts and specifies the nature of concurrent bias, and predicts a tendency toward undermatching, which is sometimes observed in concurrent situations. The rate equation contradicts one feature of Herrnstein's hyperbola, viz., the theoretically required constancy of k. According to the rate equation, Herrnstein's k should vary directly with parameters of reinforcement such as amount or immediacy. Because of this prediction, the rate equation asserts that the conceptual framework of matching does not apply to single alternative responding. The issue of the constancy of k provides empirical grounds for distinguishing between Herrnstein's account and a linear system analysis of single alternative variable-interval responding.     

Representations of Complexity: How Nature Appears in Our Theories

In science we study processes in the material world. The way these processes operate can be discovered by conducting experiments that activate them, and findings from such experiments can lead to functional complexity theories of how the material processes work. The results of a good functional theory will agree with experimental measurements, but the theory may not incorporate in its algorithmic workings a representation of the material processes themselves. Nevertheless, the algorithmic operation of a good functional theory may be said to make contact with material reality by incorporating the emergent computations the material processes carry out. These points are illustrated in the experimental analysis of behavior by considering an evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics, the algorithmic operation of which does not correspond to material features of the physical world, but the functional output of which agrees quantitatively and qualitatively with findings from a large body of research with live organisms.     

Some Differences in Extinction by Normal and Whole-Body Irradiated Monkeys

Abstract

Blanchard, P. The Child and Society: An Introduction to the Social Psychology of the Child. New York: Longmans, Green, 1928. Pp. ix + 369. $2.25.

Cobb, S. The New Leaven: Progressive Education and Its Effect upon the Child and Society. New York: John Day, 1928. Pp. x + 340.

Jones, R. M. New Studies in Mystical Religion. New York: Macmillan, 1927. Pp. 205. $1.75.

Woodburne, A. S. (Introduction by Shailer Mathews.) The Religious Attitude. New York: Macmillan, 1927. Pp. vi+353. $2.50.

Holzinger, K. J. Statistical Methods for Students in Education. Boston: Ginn, 1928. Pp. viii + 372. $3.60.

Hartshorne, H. and May, M. A. Studies in Deceit. New York: Macmillan, 1928. Bk. I, pp xxi+414; Bk. II, pp. viii+306. $4.50.

Claremont, C. A. Intelligence and Mental Growth. New York: Norton, 1928. Pp. 120. $1.00.

Malinowski, B. Myth in Primitive Psychology. New York: Norton, 1926. Pp. ix+94. $1.00.

Malinowski, B. The Father in Primitive Psychology. New York: Norton, 1927. Pp. 95. $1.00.

Miller, E. Types of Mind and Body. New York: Norton, 1927. Pp. 95. $1.00.

Warden, C. J. A Short Outline of Comparative Psychology. New York: Norton, 1927. Pp. xii+96. $1.00.

Wheeler, W. M. Emergent Evolution and the Development of Societies. New York: Norton, 1928. Pp. vii+80. $1.00.