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Administration and Determination of Rewards: An Experimental Investigation

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Abstract

Fifty-seven subjects participated in an experiment designed to examine the independent treatment effects of self- versus externally determined and self- versus externally administered sources of reinforcement. Subjects performed an experimental task involving the memorization of word lists for which they received token rewards exchangeable for monetary reinforcement ranging from zero to five cents/trial. Results indicated self-administered reinforcement significantly increased levels of performance as compared to experimenter-administered reinforcement (p<.01). No differences were found on the determination variable (p>.10). These findings were discussed with regard to self-regulatory processes and their application within token economy programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59801, USA

    Philip H. Bornstein, Rodney K. Miller, Randal P. Quevillon, Dan M. Mungas, Chris M. Kniivila & Linda K. Holombo

Authors
  1. Philip H. Bornstein
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  2. Rodney K. Miller
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  3. Randal P. Quevillon
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  4. Dan M. Mungas
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  5. Chris M. Kniivila
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  6. Linda K. Holombo
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Additional information

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the University of Montana, James A. Walsh, Candy Torres, Melissa Kwasney and the remaining members of our graduate research team.

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Bornstein, P.H., Miller, R.K., Quevillon, R.P. et al. Administration and Determination of Rewards: An Experimental Investigation. Psychol Rec 27, 339–347 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394450

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