The behavioral function: An inquiry into the relation between behavior and utility

The idea that an individual's behavior is a function of its utility or Value represents a very common and fundamental assumption in the study of human conduct. In this paper it will be attempted to determine the nature of this function more precisely. Adopting a probabilistic conception of human action, it appears that an exponential function perfectly satisfies the empirical as well as formal conditions which it seems necessary to impose upon it initially. Empirical research into behavioral change lends additional support to the function thus constructed.