The Mathematics of BehaviorMathematical thinking provides a clear, crisp way of defining problems. Our whole technology is based on it. What is less appreciated is that mathematical thinking can also be applied to problems in the social and behavioral sciences. This book illustrates how mathematics can be used to understand human and animal behavior, using examples in psychology, sociology, economics, ecology, and even marriage counseling. |
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ability activation algebra Allais paradox analysis applied argument assume assumption asymptote averaging rule axioms behavior cancer concept connectionism connectionist connectionist network correlation cycle decision maker defined determined developed difficulty level dimensions equation Eratosthenes estimate examine example expected value factor false alarm Fechner's frequentist illustrate increases individual infections input intelligence intensity interactions linear logistic function lottery mathematical modeling matrix mean measure negative Neumann and Morgenstern neurons nodes noise distributions normal distribution observer output P(FA parameters person population possible predator predicted preference probability problem produce psychophysical randomly rational reasoning relation rule scale shown in Figure shows signal detection simulation situation skill level social social welfare function standard deviation standard scores statistically independent statistics stimulus Suppose target and noise theory things units utility function variable vector voter voting wealth Weber Weber's law weight word zero