In his Principles of Behavior Hull (3) postulated that the amount of reward had a direct influence upon the asymptote of habit strength. Subsequent research (1, 12) yielded results which did not appear to be in strict conformity with predictions based upon this formulation. Hull (4) then modified his postulate set in order to take better account of these data. The revision states that magnitude of reward is the determinant of motiveincentive conditions (K) which are a constituent of reaction potential (SER), and which have a logical status within the system comparable to drive (D). The present investigation is an attempt to clarify the role of the reward variable in learning situations.The investigations which apparently contributed most to the revised assumptions concerning the magnitude of reward were those of Crespi (1) and Zeaman (12). These two studies have in common the utilization of a running response in a straight alley. Crespi measured running speed, whereas Zeaman measured latencies. The findings of these two studies are similar. In general, the data show differences in the asymptotes of performance as a function of magnitude of reward. This is consistent with Hull's early formulation. However, under conditions of switched rewards two effects were noted: (a) Performance is ir The present study is a portion of a thesis presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Colorado in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The writer is indebted to Dr. M. P. Smith, who directed the investigation.
The purpose of the present investigation was (a) to describe the internal structure of the concept of time perspective in terms of rationally developed dimensions derived from performance on one task and (b) to determine whether or not this internal structure was in any way different for three ethnic groups (Spanish-American, American Indian, and Anglo-American), two age groups (10 and 16 yr.), and two thematic content areas (religious and social). Measures of temporal extension, location, and kinesis were derived from a story-telling task. Data were analyzed by a multi-dimensional χ3 analysis. The three measures were differentially sensitive to variables introduced. For example, ethnic differences were most clearly shown by the kinetic measure and content differences by extension. A rationale for a partial interpretation of the findings within a cultural context was suggested.
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.