Selectionism is also a factor.
'Strengthening' implies a change in the topography of a particular
response (making that response stronger), while 'increasing (the
likelihood)' shifts the emphasis to selecting a particular (already
occurring) variant of the response. Under this analysis, inter
response time is itself a selectable response dimension; selecting
responses with shorter inter response times results in an observed
increase in the frequency of occurrence of that topography.
As Ken indicates, it also stays more on the level of the behavior
being observed, rather than implying a change in an underlying causal
mechanism.
On Apr 30, 2010, at 6:54 AM, Ken Steele wrote:
Many modern theorists (Premack, Timberlake) argue that "strengthen"
is a concept that is tied to older theories such as Thorndike's S-R
bonds or Hull's habit strength.
The distinction can be subtle. When one reinforces reading, does
it make more sense to say reading is "stronger" or that you have
"increased" the probability that the person is engaged in reading?
I agree with you. "Increased" focuses mainly on probability of the
response occuring. "Stronger" suggests that you are turning the
pages faster or with greater force. Generally, we want to increase
the probability that someone is engaged in reading (whatever the
pace) rather than make them turn pages with shorter latency or
greater force.
Paul Brandon
Emeritus Professor of Psychology
Minnesota State University, Mankato
[email protected]
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