Title
Simulating the variability of actual outcomes
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1998
Abstract
A method is described for simulating the variability of outcomes encountered in a variety of settings. Outcome values falling within a specified range are randomly generated and presented across subjects and trials, so that, over time, the average values seen by all subjects in a condition are the same. Randomly varying reinforcement dimensions (such as magnitude) over trials for each subject is recommended to enhance both the internal and the external validity of laboratory results. In addition, it can be used to study the effects of the variability or uncertainty of outcome dimensions such as magnitude and duration in investigations of behaviors such as matching, melioration, and behavioral momentum.
Publication Title
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, and Computers
Recommended Citation
Goltz, S.,
&
Northey, J. E.
(1998).
Simulating the variability of actual outcomes.
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, and Computers,
30(4), 680-689.
http://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209487
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/business-fp/342
Publisher's Statement
© 1998 Psychonomic Society, Inc. Publisher’s version of record: http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/BF03209487