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| Advances in Behavioral Economics: Recent research on Demand and Preference |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Commonwealth |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Theresa Ann Foster (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: . |
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| An Empirical Evaluation of the Sensitivity of the Rapid Demand Curve Assay Procedure |
| GREGORY J. MADDEN (University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire), Ryan R. Rowe (University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire), Kasey M. Stephenson (University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire), William E. Bickley (University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire) |
| Abstract: Research within the behavioral economics literature suggests that response output does not vary under a particular unit price regardless of the cost and benefit values in the unit price ratio. However, these experiments (both human and animal) have nearly always employed a rapid demand curve assay procedure in which behavior is examined for a single day at each price arrangement. Using steady-state methods we have demonstrated that substantially more behavior is maintained in a closed economy by a random ratio schedule when compared with a fixed ratio schedule with an equivalent unit price. This finding is at odds with the prediction of unit price and the economic demand law. Presently we are exploring whether the rapid demand curve assay procedure can detect this reliable behavior difference or whether steady state methods are required. Results of three experiments will be presented. |
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| Comparison of Traditional and Behavioral Economic Measures of Relative Reinforcer Efficacy |
| MATTHEW W. JOHNSON (University of Vermont), Warren K. Bickel (University of Vermont) |
| Abstract: In a study comparing traditional relative reinforcer efficacy measures and behavioral economic measures, six dependent cigarette smokers worked for cigarette puffs and money by pulling plungers. Participants were exposed to five phases in which FR requirement increased across sessions. Phases differed in reinforcer availability. Money (5 or 25 cents) and 2 cigarette puffs were available either individually, or concurrently with equivalent FR schedules. Behavioral economic measures Pmax and Omax from resulting demand curves significantly and positively correlated with traditional measures breakpoint and peak response rate, respectively. The relative locations of demand curves for money and cigarettes at each FR requirement in the individual reinforcer phase sessions predicted preference in the combined phase sessions in over 80% of cases. Results suggest that demand curve analysis provides a coherent framework for integrating different measures of relative reinforcer efficacy. |
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| Effects of Unit-Price Components on Pigeons’ Choices in a Closed Economy |
| THERESA ANN FOSTER (University of Florida), Timothy D. Hackenberg (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: In a 12-hour closed economy, four pigeons were exposed to a series of concurrent fixed-ratio schedules and reinforcer magnitudes arranging nominally equal unit prices (responses per unit food delivery). Fixed-ratio schedules ranged from 25 to 800 and reinforcer magnitudes (access to grain) ranged from 2 to 8 seconds. As grain-access periods do not necessarily arrange fixed magnitude units, preliminary conditions assessed obtained grain consumption and preference under the grain-access periods noted above. Consistent with previous findings, results showed that consumption was a linear function of grain-access period, and longer access periods were preferred to shorter ones. In the experimental conditions, pigeons chose between a standard schedule and an alternative schedule. Under the standard schedule, the cost-benefit components of the unit-price ratio were held constant within a condition. Under the alternative schedule, the components of the unit price ratio were varied across conditions. Experiments currently underway explore the separate contributions of response requirements and reinforcer delay on preference. To assess effects of reinforcer delay, the average obtained ratio-completion times were programmed in place of a response requirement. Results will be analyzed using a modified unit price model which includes a role for relative reinforcer immediacy. |
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| Unit Price Determinants of Choice: Remifentanil or Cocaine Alternatives with Rhesus Monkeys |
| CHAD M. GALUSKA (University of Michigan Medical School), Gail Winger (University of Michigan Medical School), James H. Woods (University of Michigan Medical School), Steven R. Hursh (Science Applications International Corporation) |
| Abstract: Rhesus monkeys were given the opportunity to choose between two fixed-ratio/dose combinations of either remifentanil or cocaine. A single press on either alternative initiated an opportunity to complete a fixed-ratio schedule for that alternative, followed by intravenous infusion of the assigned dose. Fixed-ratio (FR) values of 10, 30, 100, and 300 were used in combination with a range of doses. Each FR/dose combination constituted a unit price (cost-benefit ratio), in behavioral economics terms. After preference stabilized for one alternative, the alternatives were reversed on the levers and preference was assessed again. Usually, two such reversals were studied with each combination. In general, the alternative with the lower unit price was preferred independent of the FR/dose constituents. When the two alternatives had equal unit price but different FR/dose constituents, preference was controlled by dose at low FRs and by the fixed-ratio value at high FRs. These observation are discussed in terms of non-linear perceptual scaling of dose and effort, as well as implications for temporal discounting. |
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