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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4924-7290

Date Available

5-1-2026

Year of Publication

2026

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/School/Program

Psychology

Faculty

Joshua Beckmann

Faculty

Michael Bardo

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a prevalent health concern, partially characterized by continued drug use despite aversive consequences. Contrary to accounts emphasizing cognitive deficits, drug versus non-drug choice data reflect sensitivity to reinforcement dimensions, with preference shifting systematically as a function of magnitude and probability. The present study tested whether another cognitive system, working memory, is similarly affected by relative utility. Preclinical studies have demonstrated sensitivity of working memory to reinforcement dimensions, but these are often attributed to the differential outcomes effect. Generalized matching models were fit to allomorphic choice data, allowing estimation of exchange rate parameters. A concurrent solid- versus liquid-food reinforcement schedule was employed in a DNMS procedure. Liquid reinforcer manipulations were selected based upon exchange estimates, such that magnitudes were preferred more than, less than, or equal to the solid reinforcer. This resulted in seven conditions, three allomorphic and four isomorphic (same-outcome). A separate sample was employed to test whether relative utility governs working memory for drug-associated stimuli. Results indicated that DNMS performance was systematically modulated by the relative utility of available outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of controlling for relative utility before inferring cognitive deficits in SUD.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.85

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