Mathematics in Psychology

Question 1

What does the Matching Law state?

Answer 1

Behaviour aligns with the proportion of reinforcers received.

Question 2

What is the Generalised Matching Law (GML)?

Answer 2

Adjusts for bias and sensitivity to reinforcement.

Question 3

What does Herrnstein’s Hyperbola predict?

Answer 3

Predicts absolute response rate based on reinforcer rate.

Question 4

What are the key mathematical principles applied in Stimulus Equivalence (Sidman)?

Answer 4

Reflexivity, symmetry, transitivity.

Question 5

What is the difference between Direct and Competitive Suppression Models?

Answer 5

Theories on how punishment affects choice.

Question 6

What are the two views of punishment in Punishment Models?

Answer 6

• Competing additive views
• Subtractive views

Question 7

What does the term Misattribution of Reinforcers refer to?

Answer 7

Errors in linking reinforcers to behaviours affect observed patterns.

Question 8

What does the Scalar Property of Timing state?

Answer 8

Perceived time follows Weber’s Law—error grows with longer intervals.

Question 9

What is the Contingency-Discriminability Model?

Answer 9

Reinforcement misattribution.

Question 10

What do Scalar Timing Models analyze?

Answer 10

Temporal distribution of reinforcer effect.