Time and response matching with topographically different responses

Four pigeons were exposed to several nonindependent concurrent variable-interval schedules of reinforcement. One schedule component required a keypecking response; the other component required a treadlepressing response. The birds matched the ratio of their behavior (as measured by responses and time) between the two topographically different responses to the ratio of reinforcement in those two components. When additional foods not contingent on a keypeck or treadle-press were then added, the birds matched time spent in the components to total rates of food delivered in those components; response matching was somewhat disrupted. The matching law, developed under concurrent variable-interval schedules requiring similar responses, can thus account for choice behavior involving topographically different responses.     

Measure the Place Before You Measure the People: new alternatives for quality assessment

Enthusiasm for interventions designed to improve organizational quality has far outpaced interest in assessing their effects. This article describes two procedures for systematic quality assessment. First, distributional assessment provides a way to monitor individual, group or unit performance by establishing real and maximum‐feasible parameters. Second, a cost assessment system based on utility analysis provides a way to assign dollar values and benefits to quality interventions targeted at specific jobs and job functions. Both procedures are described and illustrated. They resolve a long‐standing problem with quality assessment, arising from the difficulty of accounting for situational influences which can constrain the effects of interventions designed to improve organizational performance, product or service delivery, and customer satisfaction.