The economics of the law of effect.

A corollary of the law of effect predicts that the larger the reinforcement, the greater the rate of responding. However, an animal must eat more small portions than large portions to obtain the same daily intake, and one would predict, therefore, that when eating smaller portions an efficient animal would eat less (conserving time and energy) and/or respond faster (conserving time). The latter of these predictions was supported by the present experiments with free-feeding rats for which portion size (pellet size or duration of feeder presentation) and portion price within meals were varied. Response rate was a function of the unit price (responses/g) of food: Rats responded faster when portions were smaller or when prices were higher. Meal size and frequency were relatively unaffected by unit price, but were influenced by the price of meal initiation. The results are discussed in relation to the economic differences between traditional operant and free-feeding paradigms and to both traditional and more recent formulations of the law of effect.     

Prediction of choice reaction time from information of individual stimuli

A model is developed to predict the reaction time to stimuli using information content of the individual stimuli. Review of previous research in the area showed inconsistencies due possibly to the mode of stimulus presentation or to the number of stimuli. Two experiments designed to cover the range of variables used in previous experiments were conducted. The results indicate that the model makes accurate predictions over the entire range of variables used. A comparison to earlier studies also indicates a close correspondence. nt|mis|Acknowledgment is due the Office of Naval Research which supported this research through a prime contract, NOnr 2512(00), with General Dynamics Electric Boat Division as a part of the SUBIC. (SUBmarine Integrated Control) program.     

Confirmatory analysis of simultaneous,sequential, and achievement factors on the K-ABC at 11 age levels ranging from 212 to 1212 years

The K-ABC is a recently published measure of children's intelligence based on a theoretical model of information processing. Exploratory factor analyses conducted during the scale's development supported the underlying theoretical model of sequential, simultaneous, and achievement factors. Confirmatory analysis using a Jöreskog method was carried out in the present investigation and completely supported the two-factor processing model. When the achievement measures were included, the two mental processing factors again clearly emerged, along with a third factor defined by the achievement scale subtests, but they did not fit an independent three-factor model.     

Spontaneous fixation tendencies for visual forms

Haidinger’s brush was used as a method of locating fixation positions on a display. The various experimental patterns studied showed: (1) It is the already organized cortical representation of shape which governs fixation, rather than the peripheral input per se; (2) Acute angles near 20 deg are the most effective angular stimuli: (3) For figures subtending angles less than 5 deg, the eye is directed toward the center of the figure. and not toward its edge; and (4) Removing one segment from a completely enclosed figure may not alter the mean fixation position.     

Work motivation and job values among professional men and women: A new accounting

The professional literature is replete with theoretical examples explaining women's “lesser work commitment.” In this study of 208 accountants in one of the “big eight” international public accounting firms there were no significant differences between males and females on any of the components of work motivation measured. That is, women did not appear significantly different from men on any of the motivational variables, in the rewards they valued on the job, or on job characteristics they valued. In general, the “deficit theories” about women workers do not seem to apply to the women accountants under study.     

Associational ties in academe: Some male and female differences

Although a growing body of empirical research has examined discriminatory policies and psychological barriers to ascent for women, it has virtually ignored structural barriers. Noticeably absent are data regarding the social organization of collegial ties. An analysis of the collegial-friend relationships among academicians in this study indicates that female professors, especially unmarried, have fewer males in their collegial-friend networks than men. Whether by choice or exclusion, it is suggested that isolation from these informal collegial contacts leaves women at a professional disadvantage.I am indebted to the Manpower Research Program, Cornell University, which is funded by the Manpower Administration, U.S. Department of Labor (Institutional Grant No. 31-34-70-02), for making this study possible. Researchers undertaking such projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their professional judgment. Therefore, points of view or opinions stated in this article do not necessarily represent the official position or policy of the Department of Labor. I am thankful to several of my colleagues, Joe Scimecca, John Stutz, and Sandra Peterson-Hardt, for their helpful criticisms in revising this paper for publication.