The Matching Law: Papers in Psychology and Economics

Book Description

This impressive collection features Richard Herrnstein's most important and original contributions to the social and behavioral sciences--his papers on choice behavior in animals and humans and on his discovery and elucidation of a general principle of choice called the matching law.

In recent years, the most popular theory of choice behavior has been rational choice theory. Developed and elaborated by economists over the past hundred years, it claims that individuals make choices in such a way as to maximize their well-being or utility under whatever constraints they face; that is, people make the best of their situations. Rational choice theory holds undisputed sway in economics, and has become an important explanatory framework in political science, sociology, and psychology. Nevertheless, its empirical support is thin.

The matching law is perhaps the most important competing explanatory account of choice behavior. It views choice not as a single event or an internal process of the organism but as a rate of observable events over time. It states that instead of maximizing utility, the organism allocates its behavior over various activities in exact proportion to the value derived from each activity. It differs subtly but significantly from rational choice theory in its predictions of how people exert self-control, for example, how they decide whether to forgo immediate pleasures for larger but delayed rewards. It provides, through the primrose path hypothesis, a powerful explanation of alcohol and narcotic addiction. It can also be used to explain biological phenomena, such as genetic selection and foraging behavior, as well as economic decision making.

Customer Reviews:

is optimization vs stability answer in bahavior.......1998-10-03

This book has several chapters which are fairly easy to read for those persons who do not enjoy "math"; the concepts in this book will be stimulating to those who wish to undertand why Human behavior is oftentimes so "unreasonable" and beyond belief. For example, how can one explain human behavior when the same person buys a pack of cigarretes and a cure for smoking at the same time? Why is it that a bright physician will go down the primrose path and become an alcoholic? The answer to both of these puzzles lies in the concepts of "meliorazion" and the "matching law", which in a nutschell can be defined as the proportionate allocation of behaviors to different reinforcement rates. Example:In a given space of time(ie,one afternoon)Mary will spend about 30% of her time with Ann, 50% of her time with Tom and 20% of her time with Robin. All this is done "automatically" and without conscious effort from Mary's part. The matching law has "matched" her behavior proportionately to the amount of reinforcement that Mary gets from all these people. Melioration is the concept that guides one's behavior to what is reinforcing. Behaviors distributed across time(ie,learning of tennis, becoming a drunk, a loafer,ect)tend to stabilize around the matching law which is guided by "melioration" and not "rationality". The book and its concept may revolutionize Economic consumer behavior and psychology's understanding of behavior. The matching law has been substantiated by several hundred experiments with animals and human subjects. Dr.Herrnstein's untimely death was very unfortunate.

Book Description

Managers everywhere have had it up to their necks with cutting-edge theories and trends that tell them what they must do to streamline business functions, build market share, and boost productivity. This potent antidote to management theory overload tells them exactly what not to do so they can succeed in both the short and long term. Puzzled? it's quite simple. The authors, consultants specializing in change management, have relentlessly combed through today's most hyped management theories, trends, and advice. They've kept the tactics proven to work in the real business world and discarded the rest. The result? A realistic guide that shares proven programs and methods managers can actually use to meaningfully improve their bottom line and market positioning. Just Don't Do It does much more than debunk some of today's most hyped management theories and trends. It serves up a spicy mix of caustic comments on management theory overload, interviews, and insider anecdotes from top CEOs and managers at IBM, Kraft, Sprint and other top companies that reveal how to automatically improve results with little effort and realistic investment. Contrarian in perspective, controversial in its conclusions, Just Don't Do It! help results-hungry managers to implement successful changes by eliminating bad business practices and substituting proven, positive ones.

Just Don*t Do It!: Challenging Assumptions In Business

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Just Don*t Do It!: Challenging Assumptions In Business
Morris , Brandon
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFXS1Y

Book Description

This volume, fifth in the series High-Tech and Micropropagation, contains 24 chapters arranged in the following three sections:I. Vegetables and Fruits: garlic, Amaranthus, Brassica oleracea, pepper, watermelon, cassava, banana, Myrtus communis, passionfruit, Polymnia sonchifolia, pepino, and spinach.II. Grasses: bamboos, Caustis dioica, Dendrocalamus, Miscanthus x giganteus, sugarcane.III. Trees: Aegle marmelos, Eucalyptus, Fraxinus excelsior, Juglans cinerea, Pinus virginiana, Prosopis, and Ulmus. This book is of use to research workers, advanced students, and teachers in the fields of horticulture, forestry, botany, and plant biotechnology in general, and also to individuals interested in industrial micropropagation.

Book Description

Applied statisticians in many fields must frequently analyze time to event data. While the statistical tools presented in this book are applicable to data from medicine, biology, public health, epidemiology, engineering, economics, and demography, the focus here is on applications of the techniques to biology and medicine. The analysis of survival experiments is complicated by issues of censoring, where an individual's life length is known to occur only in a certain period of time, and by truncation, where individuals enter the study only if they survive a sufficient length of time or individuals are included in the study only if the event has occurred by a given date. The use of counting process methodology has allowed for substantial advances in the statistical theory to account for censoring and truncation in survival experiments. This book makes these complex methods more accessible to applied researchers without an advanced mathematical background. The authors present the essence of these techniques, as well as classical techniques not based on counting processes, and apply them to data.

Practical suggestions for implementing the various methods are set off in a series of Practical Notes at the end of each section. Technical details of the derivation of the techniques are sketched in a series of Technical Notes.

This book will be useful for investigators who need to analyze censored or truncated life time data, and as a textbook for a graduate course in survival analysis. The prerequisite is a standard course in statistical methodology.

"This book...offers an excellent course in survival analysis for Masters-level students or indeed for statisticians who wish to extend their knowledge of this subject...The authors treat the subject from a classical point of view and the mathematical level is compatible with that. A brief review of the alternative development of the subject through counting processes is given in Chapter 3 and further references and discussion are given in the theoretical notes that are part of each chapter. The subject is developed mathematically, but strong emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of the techniques. Included in each chapter are practical notes that extend the theoretical developments in the text and discuss relevant computer programs." (Short Book Reviews)

Customer Reviews:

Good Book.......2007-02-11

I am a computer scientist and using this book for my research to address a problem. This book is well written but of course target audience are people with solid background in probability theory and parameteric estimation (pattern recognition). Therefore please do not expect that author will teach you basic probability theory. Contents are more applied in nature therefore natural audience are staticians and researchers.

Long-winded and uninformative.......2006-12-15

This textbook is too heavy on mathematical theory, and as a result ends up being largely uninformative. It is also long-winded to the point of being interminable. In order to implement survival analysis techniques, the practicing statistician does not need to wade through endless proofs, derivations, and digressions into the specification of likelihood functions. There are many textbooks available that provide a more intuitive understanding of survival analysis techniques, in a much shorter space.

Good book of Studying Survival Analysis.......2004-02-15

In this new edition, most of the errata are corrected and the texts are explained in a more detailed way.

The formulae are correct and the examples are explained in a more direct and expressive way than that in the 1st edition.

The most valuable one is its Theoretical Notes and Practical Notes. They show a lot of different points of views.

A good-buy and must-read for those want to have an intense level in Survival Analysis. Suitable for elementary and intermediate candidates to read and study.

Ian Lauder

A good book of studying Survival Analysis.......2004-02-15

In this new edition, many errata are corrected and each of the theories has a reason why this is true. Although they may be more practical in view, it is very good to use them to learn Survival Analysis, which is more realistic in sense.

In its Theoretical Notes and Practical Notes, there are a lot of different views and sights to show that which is the best to use. The examples are more or less good one and explained in a more detailed way than that in the 1st edition. A good-buy and must-read for those want to have a thorough view in this aspects. Read them carefully! Better than Cox's in this new edition. Buy and read this new edition!

Good for practitioners, but not for statistician.......2002-12-10

This book describes formulas and list of applications, but it don't give more accurate statistical reasons. I get how to use the formulas, but i think i am more interested in how to get the formulas

Book Description

Pursuing the questions of how we learn and how memory is made, Edward Kosower introduces a novel and rich approach to connecting molecular properties with the biological properties that enable us to write and read, to create culture and ethics, and to think. Here he examines what happens within a single cell in reaction to external stimuli, and shows the parallels between single cell and multicellular responses. To address the problem of "learning," Kosower explains the molecular mechanisms of responses to input from taste, olfactory, and visual receptors. He then shows how these and other processes serve as the basis for memory. This study covers such signals for the molecular process of learning as pheromones (the molecular signals mediating behavior), light (activates the G-protein receptor, rhodopsin), and acetylcholine (opens the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor). Kosower's discussion of the structure and function of these complex molecules has direct implications for such areas as molecular neurobiology, bioorganic chemistry, and drug design, in elucidating approaches to the structure of drug targets.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding book about Snook fishing

Snook Book: A Complete Anglers Guide (Sargeant, Frank. Inshore Library, Bk. 1.)
Frank Sargeant
Manufacturer: Larsen's Outdoor Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Redfish Book (Inshore Library)

The Tarpon Book: A Complete Angler's Guide (Sargeant, Frank. Inshore Library, Bk. 3.)

The Masters Book of Snook: Secrets of Top Skippers (Saltwater Series)

The Trout Book (Inshore Library)

Frank Sargeant's Secret Spots: Southwest Florida (Coastal Fishing Guides) (Coastal Fishing Guides)

ASIN: 0936513136

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding book about Snook fishing.......2000-09-07

Frank can and does give the lowdaown about catching linesiders. His writing is entertaining to read, and everyone who reads this book will understand how to catch this favorite florida fish of ours!

The Snook Book A Complete Angler's Guide

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The Snook Book A Complete Angler's Guide
Sargeant Frank
Manufacturer: Larsen's Outdoor Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UJ2TG4

Book Description

In this revision of her ground-breaking atlas, Joni Seager draws on a vast amount of new global data to explore the key issues facing women today: equality, motherhood, feminism, beauty, culture, women at work, women in the global economy, changing households, domestic violence, time budgets, children, lesbian rights, women in government, and more.

Customer Reviews:

AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE.......2003-04-28

I was first introduced to this atlas years ago in graduate school and was immediately impressed with the depth of subjects covered and professional graphics. As a result I was very happy to purchase Penguin's third edition of this atlas last week. Hot off the presses, THE PENGUIN ATLAS OF WOMEN IN THE WORLD contains up-to-date statistics of how women fare around the world. This invaluable resource is divided into the following seven sections: Women in the World, Families, Birthrights, Body Politics, Work, To Have and Have Not, and Power. This atlas succeeds where other types of media fail - it leaves a very evident impression of the continued discrepancy between men and women in all aspects of social, economic, and political life. After studying this atlas I was left with a renewed sense of what countries women fare better than others - and the answers might surprise you as much as myself! I highly recommend THE PENGUIN ATLAS OF WOMEN IN THE WORLD to anyone interested in the state of women around the world.

Average customer rating:
Calligraphic Ceramics from Eastern Iran

Manufacturer: Univ of Iowa Museum of Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Calligraphy | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Calligraphy | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9994101935

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Calligraphic Ceramics from Eastern Iran: Early Islamic Poetry from the Collection of Ulfert Wilke

Manufacturer: The University of Iowa Museum of Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H3CUM6

Average customer rating:

Don't buy this book

Good for Technical Ideas but not for Improving your Reps.

Maximizing Call Center Performance
Madeline Bodin
Manufacturer: CMP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Customer Service | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Manager's Guides to Computing | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
General | Telecommunications | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Managing and Motivating Contact Center Employees : Tools and Techniques for Inspiring Outstanding Performance from Your Frontline Staff

Designing the Best Call Center for Your Business, 2nd Edition

The Executive Guide to Call Center Metrics

The Call Center Handbook: The Complete Guide to Starting, Running, and Improving Your Call Center (Call Center Handbook)

ASIN: 1578200261

Book Description

Ever wish you could find out how North America's biggest and most advanced call centers are really using call center technology? Want to know how successful call centers have solved the problems behind basic call center functions such as order handling, h

For call center managers who want to make their customers happy and their company successful, this book shows how to leverage call center technology. It's packed with innovative solutions from a variety of industries, and provides practical applications for cutting-edge technologies.

Customer Reviews:

Don't buy this book.......1999-07-13

Unless you are looking for the most simplistic view of call centers, don't buy this book. You would do just as well to send some grade school kids into a call center and ask them for their insights. As a matter of fact, if you are determined to read it, I"LL SEND YOU MY COPY FOR FREE--don't waste any money on it.

Good for Technical Ideas but not for Improving your Reps........1999-03-25

I was a little disappointed because I was looking for ideas for improving the performance of my Call Center Reps and this book deals strickly with technical performance such as Computers and Phone Systems. If your not already familiar with some of these systems then it will give you some good ideas.

Book Description

Global Capital Flows examines the rapid growth and dramatic changes in capital flows globally and in emerging markets. In the context of relevant economic theory, it analyzes benefits and costs of large and volatile capital flows to developing countries; the latter include damaging currency crises in Mexico and East Asian economies. The book makes innovative proposals on how national governments--and especially--international organizations can best avoid such crises.

Book Description

Financial reform has been a major concern for China's transitional economy - especially in the realms of banking and insurance - since accession to the WTO in 2001. This book scrutinizes the development and limitations of these industries during the process of institutional transformation, and demonstrates that they are now facing severe challenges as well as opportunities.

The relationships between the market structure, behavior and performance of China's banking and insurance industries are analyzed. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat (SWOT) approach is utilized in investigating the impact of WTO accession on Chinese banking and insurance, and strategies for the prevention of future financial crises are prescribed.

Exploring the juxtaposition of institutional transformation in China and the financial risk inherent in the old system, the book concludes that with WTO accession and the opening up of financial services to foreign companies, competitiveness will become fiercer, resulting in increased uncertainty, intensifying the level of risk even further.

Banking and Insurance in the New China will prove invaluable to multinational enterprise managers, brokers, dealers and investors, business economists, students and academics with a specific interest in the Chinese economy.

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Bahrain Business Intelligence Report
USA International Business Publications
Manufacturer: International Business Publications, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0739725122

Book Description

This report contains business intelligence information for succesful export-import, business and investment operations, strategic contacts and more... The report also contains selected information on investment and business opportunities, international economic projects, tenders, government projects, as well as, marketing and export-import opportunities information.

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