Instructional Influence on Human Performance: Insensitivity to Contingencies
Abstract
To the extent that behavior is under the influence of instructions, it is insensitive to other consequences of the behavior. This phenomenon, termed instructionally-induced insensitivity, was investigated with monetary reinforcement for button-pressing by undergraduates. The data suggest that insensitivity is independent of response rate, and may occur despite contact with contingencies, although precluding contingency-contact may delay the development of sensitivity. Instructions that the task involved problem-solving did not necessarily induce insensitivity. Attempts at using multiple schedules suggested the role of verbal behavior even when responding was uninstructed. When subjects were required to make written guesses of the contingencies, accurate written reports usually preceded contingency-sensitive button-pressing, but contingency-insensitive button-pressing often persisted even after written reports were accurate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA101858
Entities
People
- Byron A. Matthews
- Eliot H. Shimoff
Organizations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County