ABSTRACT
The study of individuals adapting to concurrent schedules of reinforcement enables analysis of the variables influencing choice. The Matching Law in which response frequency to different alternatives mirrors (matches) reinforcement frequency to those alternatives has been found to apply in humans and other species. The lawfulness of behavior exemplified throughout this book supports the assumption of determinism with respect to adaptive learning.
Individuals are much more influenced by immediate than delayed consequences. Many human problems are examples of impulsive behavior (e.g., addictive disorders, procrastination, interpersonal aggression). Shopping from lists and using daily planners enable commitment responses, reducing the likelihood of impulsive behavior. Time management pie charts are a helpful tool to define and portray personal priorities. Self-control, whereby an individual defines their objectives, chooses intervention strategies, and assesses progress, enables humans to attain freedom from external influences.
