ABSTRACT
Behavior analysts have proposed models of choice based on the assumption that outcomes influence behavioral choices and organisms choose among many sources of reinforcement in a given moment. Choice is modeled in the laboratory by concurrent schedules of reinforcement. It begins with an understanding that the relative amount or frequency of reinforcement from two or more sources affects choice. The matching relation states that relative rates of response to reinforcement alternatives or options match the relative rates of reinforcement. The generalized matching relation predicts choice based on relative rates of reinforcement, along with bias (preference based on qualitative features of the reinforcer) and sensitivity (how sensitive behavior is to differing densities of reinforcement) parameters, provide valuable insights into many aspects of choice behavior. The matching relation also applies to areas outside of the laboratory, such as foraging with free-ranging wild pigeons and to sports and conversations with humans. Behavioral economics is another area of choice behavior in which behavioral allocation depends on reinforcer availability; effort and delay to reinforcement play keys roles. With demand, choice depends highly on the price (or effort) to access the reinforcer and what other options are available as well as their relative prices. Delay discounting examines how organisms allocate their behavior to smaller, immediate sources of reinforcement vs. larger, delayed sources. Delay to reinforcement reduces its value. Delay discounting has been applied to a number of health-related behaviors, such as substance use disorders, gambling, and obesity.
