Final answer:
The matching law involves the tendency to engage in behaviors that are reinforced at the highest rate. Different reinforcement schedules, like fixed ratio and fixed interval, influence the quantity and quality of the behavior performed. This law is connected to broader psychological principles explaining behavior through consequences, as discussed by Skinner and Thorndike.
Step-by-step explanation:
The matching law in psychology states that we will choose to engage in the behavior with the highest rate of reinforcement. This principle is observed within different reinforcement schedules. For instance, Carla sells glasses and is motivated by a fixed ratio reinforcement schedule, where she earns a commission after selling a set number of glasses, which encourages her to sell as many as possible regardless of the necessity or quality. This focus on quantity over quality illustrates how the schedule can optimize output. In contrast, a fixed interval schedule might promote higher quality because the reinforcement is not directly tied to the quantity of items produced or actions performed.
The concept of reinforcement schedules is rooted in the work of psychologists like B. F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike and their understanding of how behaviors are shaped by consequences through the law of effect. According to this law, behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated. An example of this in the workplace is employees showing up for work because they get paid; without the payment, the motivation to show up decreases.