Functional Relations #26 - Behavioral Economics for Real-World Interventions w/ Dr. Brent Kaplan
Jan 1, 2025
Dr. Brent Kaplan, a behavioral scientist and data expert affiliated with Advocates for Human Potential, dives into the fascinating world of behavioral economics. He explains how this field merges behavioral science and economics, uncovering why people sometimes behave irrationally. Kaplan shares insights on demand functions, optimal reinforcement schedules, and the significance of adjusting token economies to maintain motivation. He also discusses individual differences in delay tolerance, emphasizing the importance of tailoring interventions for effective outcomes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Behavioral Economics Models Decisions
- Behavioral economics integrates behavioral science with economics to model and predict decisions as functional relations.
- Quantitative models let practitioners generalize beyond observed data to guide intervention design.
Shorten Delays To Preserve Reinforcer Value
- Shorten delays to reinforcement because initial delays sharply reduce reinforcer efficacy due to hyperbolic discounting.
- Tailor delay lengths per child and per reinforcer to boost intervention effectiveness.
Use Demand Curves To Set Schedules
- Map cost (response requirement) versus consumption to create a demand curve for each reinforcer.
- Use the demand curve to set schedules that balance behavior output and resource use.
