On the theoretical and empirical status of the matching law and matching theory
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 4420549 |
|---|---|
| Authors | J J Mcdowell (0000-0003-0953-9128, Emory University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2013 |
| Volume | 139 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 1000-1028 |
| Publication date | 2013-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychological Bulletin (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0033-2909 • E-ISSN: 1939-1455 |
| Publisher | American Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1037/a0029924 |
| PMID | 22946881 |
| OpenAlex | W2322669696 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 7 |
| References cited | 12 |
The original and power function versions of the matching law and matching theory are mathematical accounts of continuous choice that have been applied to the behavior of many vertebrate species, including humans, and have become influential in a variety of disciplines, such as economics, behavioral pharmacology, and clinical science. Each version can be interpreted either from a response strength perspective or from a purely algebraic perspective. The point of departure of both versions of matching theory is the assertion that all behavior is choice governed by the matching law. This assertion permits sets of equations to be derived that constitute the 2 versions of the theory. Considerable experimental evidence leads to the conclusion that both interpretations of the original version of the matching law and theory are false and that both interpretations of the power function version of the law and theory are tenable. Specifically, the behavior of animal and human subjects conforms exactly to the mathematical forms required by the power function version of the law and theory, and the theoretical assumptions entailed by both interpretations of this version are supported by the empirical evidence. In addition, the theoretical interpretations of all but 1 of the parameters of the power function version's equations are consistent with available evidence. The one problematic parameter is interpreted as the rate at which unmeasured background resources are acquired. The theoretical interpretation of this parameter must be reconciled with observation in order to maintain matching theory's central assertion that all behavior is choice
Assertion · Function (biology) · Interpretation (philosophy) · Matching (statistics) · Matching law · Mathematical economics · Perspective (graphical) · Power law · Statistics · Behavioral and Psychological Studies · Child and Animal Learning Development · Computer Science · Mathematics · Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
On the empirical status of the matching law
A Reinforcement Account of Altruism
The Covering-Law Model of Explanation in Social Science
A contemporary quantitative model for continuous choice under reinforcing and punishing contingencies
Does increasing absolute conditioned reinforcement rate improve sensitivity to relative conditioned reinforcement rate
Applying the matching law as micro-foundation of social phenomena
Issues of Systematization in Culturo-Behavior Science
Deviancy training in male adolescent friendships
On a distinction between hypothetical constructs and intervening variables.
On the Law of Effect 1
Relative and Absolute Strength of Response as a Function of Frequency of Reinforcement 1, 2
Escape Performance as a Function of Delay of Reinforcement and Inescapable Us Trials
The importance of Herrnstein's mathematical statement of the law of effect for behavior therapy
On the Generalizability of the Law of Effect
Pathologies of Rational Choice Theory
Use of Concurrent Operants in Small Group Research
Rational choice theory
Toward a law of response strength
The Matching Law and Bias in a Social Exchange Involving Choice between Alternatives
| Unique citing works | 7 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,54 |
| Citation span | 2013 - 2026 (14) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 6 |