Take a look at Timberlake and Farmer-Dougan (199x - can't quite remember)
"Reinforcement in applied settings: Figuring out ahead of time what will
work" Psych Bulletin.
My wife is one of the authors on this paper, so of course it is absolutely
outstanding...
The paper does discuss applications of Premack (and the more recent
response deprivation/disequilibrium theory). Definitely worth a read
(familial loyalty aside).
-- Jim Dougan
On Tue, 20 Apr 1999, Michael Sylvester wrote:
>
> THe Associated press reports that a researcher has found a way to get
> teens to lose weight.
> A stationary exercise cylce is connected to a television in such a way
> that the TV
> will only stay on contingent on pedaling behavior.When the teen stops
> pedaling the TV goes off.
> This pedaling-per-view (ppv) seem to work in reducing weight.
> Would this be a good example of the Premack principle?
> A low probability behavior (exercise) is being reinforced by a high
> probability response (watching TV).
> The researcher also postulates that if people had to pay to ride elevators
> and escalators,walking behavior would increase.Let me know about this
> idea:
> Would students improve academically if tuition was tied to GPA?
> For example,students getting a 2.0 average one term would pay higher
> tuition on the subsequent term,whereas those with a 3.0 average would
> see no tuition increase for them on the subsequent semester.
>
> MIchael Sylvester
> Daytona Beach,Florida
> "my karma ran over my dogma."
>
>
