Direct Analysis of Contingencies using Working Models

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Steven M. Kemp
David A. Eckerman

Abstract

It is useful to "model" both contingencies and behavior. A reinforcement schedule arranged in the laboratory is a working model of a real-world contingency in the sense that a model of an airplane is a model. It simplifies a natural contingency, but it really will "fly." Thus, a reinforcement schedule is both a model of a contingency and it also IS a contingency, albeit a synthetic one. The authors argue for the use of working models of organisms, computer programs that take in models of stimuli as input and produce models of responses as output, all on a real-time basis. Com­puter simulations of working models called in situ simulations, are more complex than molecular simulations su eh as Shimp's Associative Learner in that spatio-tem­poral patterning, not just tempral patterning, is modeled. Working models of or­ganisms, it is elaimed, will allow for testing of behavioral theories of many types without the difficulties attendant upon theorizing that concerned Skinner (1950). Advantages to using working models inelude: (1) Analysis of behavioral theories at levels of observation more microscopic than those readily obtainable elsewhere. (2) Easy integration with neural network models. (3) The possibility of statistical test­ing in conjunction with the experimental analysis of behavior.

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How to Cite
Kemp, S. M., & Eckerman, D. A. (2011). Direct Analysis of Contingencies using Working Models. Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis, 21(3), 27–46. https://doi.org/10.5514/rmac.v21.i1.ESP.25410