The Interaction Between Stage and Value

Abstract

This issue is about a behavioral-developmental account of stage, value, and action that integrates the following three paradigms: (a) a behavioral paradigm, which includes notions of value (as established by reinforcement); (b) a developmental paradigm, as primarily measured by stage of development; and, in some cases, (c) a quantitative paradigm. A mathematical technique for predicting an organism’s behavior that is based on the integration of these different paradigms would be extremely valuable and widely applicable to a range of organisms and behaviors, as discussed in the various contributions to the issue. This issue presents the first examples of a general and more integrative theory of behavior based on this approach. In this introduction, the interplay of stage of performance and the valuation of reinforcers in predicting behavior or action are examined. This is done to provide some additional background on the issues involved. To reasonably predict behavior, one must consider (a) the stage of development, measured here in terms of the hierarchical complexity of tasks successfully completed, and (b) the value of outcomes of behavior, operationalized either as the overall value obtained, the value that is discounted due to delay, and perceived value under conditions of risk.