Random isn't real: How the patchy distribution of ecological rewards may generate "incentive hope". (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Symes, Laurel; Wheatley, Thalia
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 42(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X18002005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Anselme & Güntürkün generate exciting new insights by integrating two disparate fields to explain why uncertain rewards produce strong motivational effects. Their conclusions are developed in a framework that assumes a random distribution of resources, uncommon in the natural environment. We argue that, by considering a realistically clumped spatiotemporal distribution of resources, their conclusions will be stronger and more complete.