Reference entries (7)
- reference Fiorillo, Tobler & Schultz (2003), Science 299 — uncertainty sustains dopamine; the more direct neural correlate of the variable-reinforcement mechanism (still primate electrophysiology)
- reference Schultz, Dayan & Montague (1997), Science 275 — reward-prediction-error signal: unpredicted rewards drive dopamine bursts; fully predicted ones don't; primate electrophysiology
- reference Shen, Hsee & Talloen (2019), JCR 46(1) — uncertain incentives reinforce REPETITION decisions (lab + field stair-climbing) — but only if uncertainty resolves IMMEDIATELY and only AFTER engagement begins
- reference Shen, Fishbach & Hsee (2015), JCR 41(5) — Motivating-Uncertainty Effect: people invest MORE effort for an uncertain reward (50% $2 / 50% $1) than for certain HIGHER-expected-value reward — but ONLY under PROCESS focus
- reference Skinner himself (1953, Science and Human Behavior) — VR's power illustrated via GAMBLING: "the efficacy of such schedules in generating high rates has long been known to the proprietors of gambling establishments"
- reference Ferster & Skinner (1957), Schedules of Reinforcement — variable-ratio (VR) schedules produce highest, steadiest response rates and strong resistance to extinction
- research-notes Research notes (capture-layer top-up): why interactive online tools are psychologically engaging — six additional mechanisms (June 2026)
