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Target Terms: matching law, response allocation

Definition: When we’re wondering why someone is making one choice over another, it helps to look at the reinforcers available for each choice. Basically, we expect behaviors to occur in proportion to the reinforcers available for them. (Remember, these are reinforcers, not arbitrary “rewards.”)

Example: Silvia has two job offers. She selected the one with the highest perceived opportunities to work with clients with psychotic disorders, because she greatly enjoys this work.

Example: Didier picks the bananas with brown spots while shopping at the grocery store, because he prefers their taste to the taste of less ripe bananas.

Why it matters: Pssst…”response allocation” is basically making choices.  It’s called the “matching” law because behavior “matches” reinforcement.