MAGNITUDE OF REWARD AND REWARD VALUE IN MALE RETARDATES

Abstract

In both experiments reported, groups of Ss [subjects] whose MMA [mean mental age] = 3 yr. or MMA = 5 yr. (similar CAs [chronological ages]) were used. In Exp. [Experiment] I, 10 items differing in quantity/or kind were presented, using a pair comparisons procedure, to 112 male retardates. Their choices were scaled and the highest and lowest items were selected for use in Exp. II. In Exp. II 72 Ss [subjects] randomy selected from those in Exp. I, were instructed to traverse a finger maze as rapidly as possible; a 3rd for the most preferred reward (highest item from Exp. I), a 3rd for the least preferred, and a 3rd for no reward. As a group retardates (Exp. I) did consistently indicate differences in magnitude of reward. In Exp. II a significant difference in maze performance was associated with the reward conditions, demonstrating that prediction of performance from knowledge of incentive heirarchies obtained on a group basis is possible with retarded Ss. MA [mental age], CA, and length of institutionalization were not related to incentive choices (Exp. I) or performance (Exp. II).