psy363 choice, matching, and self-control

bias from matching

A deviation from matching in which one response alternative attracts a higher
proportion of responses than would be predicted by matching, regardless of
whether that alternative contains the richer versus poorer schedule.

commitment response

An action carried out at an early point in time that serves to either eliminate
or reduce the value of an upcoming temptation. Also called a precommitment
response.

concurrent schedule of reinforcement

A complex schedule consisting of the simultaneous presentation of two or more
independent schedules, each leading to a reinforcer.

impulsiveness

With respect to choice between two rewards, selecting a smaller sooner reward over
a larger later reward.

matching law

The principle that the proportion of responses emitted on a particular schedule
matches the proportion of reinforcers obtained on that schedule.

melioration theory

A theory of matching that holds that the distribution of behavior in a choice
situation shifts toward those alternatives that have higher value regardless
of the long-term effect on overall amount of reinforcement.

overmatching

A deviation from matching in which the proportion of responses on the richer
schedule versus poorer schedule is more different than would be predicted by
matching.

self-control

With respect to choice between two rewards, selecting a larger later reward over a
smaller sooner reward.

small-but-cumulative
effects model

A model of self-control in which each individual choice between a smaller sooner and
larger later reward has only a small but cumulative effect on our likelihood
of obtaining the desired outcome.

undermatching

A deviation from matching in which the proportion of responses on the richer
schedule versus poorer schedule is less different than would be predicted by
matching.