The probabilities of events in the environment are important as controllers of how we cope with that environment. Attention is deployed to parts of the visual field where important events are most likely to happen; in predicting what will happen next in a situation, probable things tend to be predicted. This paper assesses adult age differences in the use of probabilistic information, using the laboratory task-settings of choice reaction time, simple prediction, and selective attending. In almost all situations the elderly are less influenced by event probabilities than their juniors, although they are just as capable of registering the probabilities involved. This consistent age effect contradicts the predictions of Griew’s theory which assumes that behavioural experience operates by increasing the use of probabilistic information.

Keywords:
Behaviour, Probabilistic information, Choice reaction time, Simple prediction, Selective attending, Reward manipulation, Griew’s theory
© 1978 S. Karger AG, Basel
1978
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.