Comparator hypothesis
Encyclopedia
The comparator hypothesis is a hypothesis
in the field of the psychology
of motivation
and learning
. Created by Ralph Miller, it established that responses are due to a comparison between the direct activation of the outcome and the indirect activation of the outcome.
The comparator hypothesis was the first model which successfully accounts for retrospective reevaluation phenomena. However, after the publication of the comparator hypothesis, traditional models like Wagner's SOP and the Rescorla-Wagner model were modified to be able to account for retrospective reevaluation phenomena.
Today, the comparator hypothesis can successfully account for counteraction phenomena, a topic in which both the traditional models and their reformulation tends to fail.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. The term derives from the Greek, ὑποτιθέναι – hypotithenai meaning "to put under" or "to suppose". For a hypothesis to be put forward as a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it...
in the field of the psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
of motivation
Motivation
Motivation is the driving force by which humans achieve their goals. Motivation is said to be intrinsic or extrinsic. The term is generally used for humans but it can also be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. This article refers to human motivation...
and learning
Learning
Learning is acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types of information. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals and some machines. Progress over time tends to follow learning curves.Human learning...
. Created by Ralph Miller, it established that responses are due to a comparison between the direct activation of the outcome and the indirect activation of the outcome.
The comparator hypothesis was the first model which successfully accounts for retrospective reevaluation phenomena. However, after the publication of the comparator hypothesis, traditional models like Wagner's SOP and the Rescorla-Wagner model were modified to be able to account for retrospective reevaluation phenomena.
Today, the comparator hypothesis can successfully account for counteraction phenomena, a topic in which both the traditional models and their reformulation tends to fail.