A decision-theory model for the behavior of lower organisms is described. This model bases predictions of behavior upon the principle of maximization of payoff under conditions of stimulus uncertainty. The model is 1st developed for a simple, 2-stimulus color discrimination task for pigeons and then generalized to multiple-stimulus tasks. From this generalized model are derived the "psychophysical function" and alterations in this function produced by changes in motivation and stimulus probability. Some relevant data are described.
Several major issues involving the existing supply and the production of psychologists are of current serious concern. For example, a real prospect exists that academic jobs in departments of psychology will constitute a smaller job market than has recently obtained for new PhDs. This fact of life complicates the current concern to increase the numbers of women and minority group members on faculties and in the profession generally. As a basis for planning, information is needed about the availability of minority group members and women and about the distribution of ages of current academicians. Also required is a hard look at available supply information as a prelude to a reconsideration of training goals and recruiting practices. Of interest is the fact that the employment problem may be ameliorated by the increasing tendency of psychologists to be employed in social problem areas as a result of public policy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, for example, in health programs and in criminal justice reform. The imminent phaseout of federal funding for training, however, raises questions about the long-run availability of psychologists for public service positions.These issues pose critical problems for individuals who make decisions affecting the field of psychol-
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.