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Journal List > J Exp Anal Behav > v.21(1); Jan 1974

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J Exp Anal Behav. 1974 January; 21(1): 159–164.
doi: 10.1901/jeab.1974.21-159.
PMCID: PMC1333179
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Formal properties of the matching law1
R. J. Herrnstein
1Supported by Grant MH-15494-04 from the NIMH to Harvard University. The ideas in this paper have developed in the course of discussions with colleagues and students. I am particularly indebted to W. M. Baum, J. E. Cohen, D. Green, P. de Villiers, R. Mansfield, F. McSweeney, H. Rachlin, and H. S. Terrace. Reprints may be obtained from the author, Harvard University, Dept. of Psychology and Social Relations, 33 Kirkland St., Cambridge, Mass. 02138.
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Abstract
The matching law implies that any form of behavior approaches an asymptotic frequency as its reinforcement approaches 100 per cent of the total reinforcement being obtained at a given time. This asymptote is formally independent of the kind or quantity of drive or reinforcement associated with the response in question or with any competing response.
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Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
  • Herrnstein RJ. On the law of effect. J Exp Anal Behav. 1970 Mar;13(2):243–266. [PubMed]
  • Herrnstein RJ. Quantitative hedonism. J Psychiatr Res. 1971 Aug;8(3):399–412. [PubMed]
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