| Abstract: Mathematical principles of reinforcement is theory with three main tenets: motivation, association, and constraint (Killeen & Sitomer, 2004). Reinforcers create a heightened state of arousal in which organisms are more likely to emit behaviors, those behaviors that precede and predict reinforcers are coupled to the reinforcers and more likely to occur in the future, and the overall limit on behavioral output constrains the amount of aroused behavior and previously coupled behavior. Mathematical principles of reinforcement provides an account of behavior that is different than the typical strengthening or value based accounts of reinforcement. This panel will discuss the basics of mathematical principles of reinforcement, research implications of the theory, and where to take the theory next. |