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Probability Matching on a Simple Simulated Foraging Task: The Effects of Reward Persistence and Accumulation on Choice Behavior

Ellerby, Zack; Tunney, Richard J

Probability Matching on a Simple Simulated Foraging Task: The Effects of Reward Persistence and Accumulation on Choice Behavior Thumbnail


Authors

Zack Ellerby

Richard J Tunney



Abstract

Over a series of decisions between two or more probabilistically rewarded options, humans have a tendency to diversify their choices, even when this will lead to diminished overall reward. In the extreme case of probability matching, this tendency is expressed through allocation of choices in proportion to their likelihood of reward. Research suggests that this behaviour is an instinctive response, driven by heuristics, and that it may be overruled through the application of sufficient deliberation and self-control. However, if this is the case, then how and why did this response become established? The present study explores the hypothesis that diversification of choices, and potentially probability matching, represents an overextension of a historically normative foraging strategy. This is done through examining choice behaviour on a simple simulated foraging task, designed to model the natural process of accumulation of unharvested resources over time. Behaviour was then directly compared with that observed on a standard fixed probability task (cf. Ellerby & Tunney, 2017). Results indicated a convergence of choice patterns on the simulated foraging task, between participants who acted intuitively and those who took a more strategic approach. These findings are also compared with those of another similarly motivated study (Schulze, van Ravenzwaaij, & Newell, 2017).

Citation

Ellerby, Z., & Tunney, R. J. (2019). Probability Matching on a Simple Simulated Foraging Task: The Effects of Reward Persistence and Accumulation on Choice Behavior. Advances in Cognitive Psychology, 15(2), 111-126. https://doi.org/10.5709/acp-0261-2

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 22, 2019
Online Publication Date Jun 30, 2019
Publication Date Jun 30, 2019
Deposit Date Jul 8, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Advances in Cognitive Psychology
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 2
Pages 111-126
DOI https://doi.org/10.5709/acp-0261-2
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2286061
Publisher URL http://www.ac-psych.org/en/issues/volume/15/issue/2#art263

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