title: Motivation, constraint and association: an analysis of Killeen's (1994) mathematical principles of reinforcement.

authors: Armstrong, Rebecca Theresa

subjects: mathematical principles of reinforcement

abstract: Mathematical principles of reinforcement (MPR; Killeen, 1994) is a useful model for predicting and describing behaviour. MPR is based upon three general principles represented by three independent parameters in the model: (1) incentives elicit responses and the quality or amount of a reinforcer will effect organisms arousal and motivation to work for that particular reinforcer (specific activation; a in the model), (2) there are time and energy constraints on responding resulting in ceilings on response rates (constraint; δ), and (3) reinforcement only occurs to the extent that responses are associated with reinforcers (Coupling; c.). This experiment tested the ability of MPR to predict response rates when the minimum force requirement to make a response and the reinforcer duration was increased. Five hens responded on a geometric fixed ratio (FR) schedule in three conditions; low force requirement, small reinforcer (0.24 N, 2-s access), high force requirement, small reinforcer (1.1 N, 2-s access) and high force requirement, large reinforcer (1.1 N, 4-s access). Response rates were well described by a bitonic function as predicted. Response rates were higher and the hens ceased responding at higher FR values when the force requirement was low. Constraint (δ) was not significantly affected by the increase in force requirement. Interestingly, estimates of a were most effected by the increase in force requirement. Estimates of a were not affected by the increase in the magnitude of the reinforcer. It was concluded that doubling the incentive value may require more than doubling the amount of reinforcement. Additionally, there may be a need to distinguish between time to make a response and effort required with the latter impacting more on the motivation of the organism.

text: Motivation, constraint and association: an analysis of Killeen's (1994) mathematical principles of reinforcement. Mathematical principles of reinforcement (MPR; Killeen, 1994) is a useful model for predicting and describing behaviour. MPR is based upon three general principles represented by three independent parameters in the model: (1) incentives elicit responses and the quality or amount of a reinforcer will effect organisms arousal and motivation to work for that particular reinforcer (specific activation; a in the model), (2) there are time and energy constraints on responding resulting in ceilings on response rates (constraint; δ), and (3) reinforcement only occurs to the extent that responses are associated with reinforcers (Coupling; c.). This experiment tested the ability of MPR to predict response rates when the minimum force requirement to make a response and the reinforcer duration was increased. Five hens responded on a geometric fixed ratio (FR) schedule in three conditions; low force requirement, small reinforcer (0.24 N, 2-s access), high force requirement, small reinforcer (1.1 N, 2-s access) and high force requirement, large reinforcer (1.1 N, 4-s access). Response rates were well described by a bitonic function as predicted. Response rates were higher and the hens ceased responding at higher FR values when the force requirement was low. Constraint (δ) was not significantly affected by the increase in force requirement. Interestingly, estimates of a were most effected by the increase in force requirement. Estimates of a were not affected by the increase in the magnitude of the reinforcer. It was concluded that doubling the incentive value may require more than doubling the amount of reinforcement. Additionally, there may be a need to distinguish between time to make a response and effort required with the latter impacting more on the motivation of the organism.

year: 2015

title: Design of a Pseudo-Holographic Distributed Time-of-Flight Sonar Range-Imaging System

authors: Streeter, Lee

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: The design of an audible sonar distributed sensor time-of-flight range imaging system is investigated, sonar being chosen as a substitute for optical range imaging due to cost and simplicity of implementation. The distributed range imaging system proposed is based on the holographic principle where the sensors detect the self interference of the reflected sound from the scene, and the Fourier analysis computes the reflected object profile. An approximate linearised model used in related holographic imaging techniques is found to be inappropriate for the design, and qualitative assessment of simulations show that removing the linearisation dramatically improves image reconstruction. Quantitatively the nonlinear reconstruction improves the RMSE by a factor of 1.3-2.1 times. The full nonlinear reconstruction is slow, and mathematical development lead to 15 fold reduction in computation time.

text: Design of a Pseudo-Holographic Distributed Time-of-Flight Sonar Range-Imaging System The design of an audible sonar distributed sensor time-of-flight range imaging system is investigated, sonar being chosen as a substitute for optical range imaging due to cost and simplicity of implementation. The distributed range imaging system proposed is based on the holographic principle where the sensors detect the self interference of the reflected sound from the scene, and the Fourier analysis computes the reflected object profile. An approximate linearised model used in related holographic imaging techniques is found to be inappropriate for the design, and qualitative assessment of simulations show that removing the linearisation dramatically improves image reconstruction. Quantitatively the nonlinear reconstruction improves the RMSE by a factor of 1.3-2.1 times. The full nonlinear reconstruction is slow, and mathematical development lead to 15 fold reduction in computation time.

year: 2016

title: My tūpuna were houseless once too: Aspirations of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori in transitional housing

authors: Manuirirangi, Kayla

abstract: This research explores the concept of ‘home' for rangatahi Māori experiencing housing insecurity and residing within a transitional housing service in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. Conducted in partnership with Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust (KFST), a kaupapa Māori community housing provider, this study aimed to identify rangatahi perceptions of ‘home’ and aspirations of 'home’ to contribute towards strategies for better housing supports and brighter rangatahi futures. A cohort of seven rangatahi Māori participants were involved in this study (all who identified as female; aged 15-19 years old). At the time of this study, rangatahi participants were residing in Kirikiriroa, experiencing housing insecurity and were living within a transitional house provided by KFST, either with whānau or independently. Guided by Kaupapa Māori methodology, there were a mixture of qualitative methods used to capture rangatahi voices, including Whakawhanaungatanga, Sticky Notes Brainstorms, Rangatahi Wānanga and Thematic Analysis. Through this data analysis process, a visual mind map was generated to draw out the key findings from the three main research areas: rangatahi aspirations for home; the current realities of home; and how to build a bridge to a better future. Key findings from this research conclude that: (1) Rangatahi need strength-based support; (2) Rangatahi need a permanent and stable place to call ‘home’; (3) Rangatahi need supportive adults in their life who they can trust; (4) Rangatahi need encouragement to realise their aspirations; (5) Rangatahi opinions matter; (6) Rangatahi experience contradictions; and, the need to (7) Prioritise intervention over punishment. For policy and decision-makers, these findings suggest that rangatahi Māori voices should be included in urban design process and that more Māori solutions should be utilised within this urban context. For researchers, the study highlights the importance of advancing Māori housing aspirations and deepening understandings of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori living independent of their whānau.

text: My tūpuna were houseless once too: Aspirations of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori in transitional housing This research explores the concept of ‘home' for rangatahi Māori experiencing housing insecurity and residing within a transitional housing service in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. Conducted in partnership with Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust (KFST), a kaupapa Māori community housing provider, this study aimed to identify rangatahi perceptions of ‘home’ and aspirations of 'home’ to contribute towards strategies for better housing supports and brighter rangatahi futures. A cohort of seven rangatahi Māori participants were involved in this study (all who identified as female; aged 15-19 years old). At the time of this study, rangatahi participants were residing in Kirikiriroa, experiencing housing insecurity and were living within a transitional house provided by KFST, either with whānau or independently. Guided by Kaupapa Māori methodology, there were a mixture of qualitative methods used to capture rangatahi voices, including Whakawhanaungatanga, Sticky Notes Brainstorms, Rangatahi Wānanga and Thematic Analysis. Through this data analysis process, a visual mind map was generated to draw out the key findings from the three main research areas: rangatahi aspirations for home; the current realities of home; and how to build a bridge to a better future. Key findings from this research conclude that: (1) Rangatahi need strength-based support; (2) Rangatahi need a permanent and stable place to call ‘home’; (3) Rangatahi need supportive adults in their life who they can trust; (4) Rangatahi need encouragement to realise their aspirations; (5) Rangatahi opinions matter; (6) Rangatahi experience contradictions; and, the need to (7) Prioritise intervention over punishment. For policy and decision-makers, these findings suggest that rangatahi Māori voices should be included in urban design process and that more Māori solutions should be utilised within this urban context. For researchers, the study highlights the importance of advancing Māori housing aspirations and deepening understandings of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori living independent of their whānau.

year: 2025