Scientific Definition
Frequency and variability of reward shape behavior strongly.
Plain-English Definition
Frequency and variability of reward shape behavior strongly.
Feynman Explanation
Variable rewards are stickier than constant ones. Ask any slot machine.
Core Principle
Frequency and variability of reward shape behavior strongly.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Frequency and variability of reward shape behavior strongly.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
Variable rewards are stickier than constant ones. Ask any slot machine.
Examples
- Skinner's work on intermittent reinforcement.
- Recognition system design.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Mix predictable and variable recognition.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- Mix predictable and variable recognition.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
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We return to a baseline of well-being after gains or losses.
The brain rewards the gap between expectation and outcome.
Naming an emotion reduces its intensity.
Cumulative physiological wear from chronic stress.
Emotional override of rational processing.
Brain region tracking conflict, error, and effort.
We treat AI as more humanlike than it is.
Attention is the most contested resource in modern work.
Task switches leave cognitive residue that degrades performance.
Self-direction is one of the deepest motivational levers.
Willpower fails; structure works.