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“Superstitious” Behavior in Children

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Abstract

The behavior of 12 preschool children was examined for the emergence of superstitious behavior under response-independent, fixed-time (FT) schedules of reinforcement. Three experimental phases were conducted: (a) two 8-min baseline sessions, (b) six 10-min experimental sessions of FT 15- or 30-sec marble delivery, and (c) two final 8-min baseline sessions. Sessions were videotaped and scored; mean interobserver agreement ranged from 80.0 to 98.6%. Results showed that responding emerged on the FT schedules for seven of the children, increasing in probability towards the end of the intervals; five children either displayed responses having no discernible temporal pattern or they had no specifiable dominant response. A test of the reinforcing function of the marbles showed that they generally functioned as reinforcers. Discussion focused on the fixed-time length, the behavioral processes involved, methodological qualifications, and the nature of the responding engendered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Kennedy Institute, Department of Behavioral Psychology, University of Kansas, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Gregory A. Wagner & Edward K. Morris

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  1. Gregory A. Wagner
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  2. Edward K. Morris
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This article is based on a portion of a dissertation submitted by Gregory A. Wagner to the Department of Human Development at the University of Kansas in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the PhD degree. The research was supported by an HEW USPHS Traineeship (#07173-02) to Gregory A. Wagner and by a University of Kansas Biomedical Sciences Support Grant (#4888-x706-3) to Edward K. Morris. Support was also made available through the John T. Stewart Children’s Center and the Bureau of Child Research through Nichhd (#HD-02528). We extend our appreciation to Michael Zeiler for his encouragement to pursue this project; to Dave Born, Lisa Johnson, Dave Rider, and Jim Todd for their helpful comments on earlier versions of the manuscript; to Mark Eboch and Karen Carleton for their assistance in conducting the study; and to the staff and children of the Edna A. Hill Child Development Preschool.

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Wagner, G.A., Morris, E.K. “Superstitious” Behavior in Children. Psychol Rec 37, 471–488 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394994

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