The inadequacy of the Hullian derivations of reasoning and latent learning.

Abstract

"Many of the Hullian derivations concerning reasoning and latent learning which use the antedating goal reaction (or the anticipatory goal response) are not logically sound. The oversight is of the following nature: In the usual instance an antedating goal reaction (rG) will undergo extinction if the goal reaction of which it is a fraction does not occur and provide reinforcement...In the derivations to be examined, Hull appears to overlook that the antedating reponse would continue to be reinforced to the "wrong" goal if the goal reward changed, and so extends the case where reward is withdrawn to the case where it is substituted." A number of real and hypothetical examples are examined to bear out the author''s contention.