Discrimination of structure: I. Implications for connectionist theories of discrimination learning.

George, David N.; Ward-Robinson, Jasper; Pearce, John M.

Abstract

In each of 4 experiments animals were given a structural discrimination task that involved visual patterns composed of identical features, but the spatial relations among the features were different for reinforced and nonreinforced trials. In Experiment 1 the stimuli were pairs of colored circles, and pigeons were required to discriminate between patterns that were the mirror image of each other. A related task was given to rats in Experiment 2. Subjects solved these discriminations. For Experiment 3, some pigeons were given a discrimination similar to that used in Experiment 1, which they solved, whereas others received a comparable task but with 3 colored circles present on every trial, which they failed to solve. The findings from Experiment 3 were replicated in Experiment 4 using different patterns. The results are difficult to explain by certain connectionist theories of discrimination learning, unless they are modified to take account of the way in which compound stimuli are structured.

Citation

George, D. N., Ward-Robinson, J., & Pearce, J. M. (2001). Discrimination of structure: I. Implications for connectionist theories of discrimination learning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes, 27(3), 206-218. https://doi.org/10.1037/0097-7403.27.3.206

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 31, 2001
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2001
• Journal: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY-ANIMAL BEHAVIOR PROCESSES
• Print ISSN: 0097-7403
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 206-218
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0097-7403.27.3.206
• Keywords: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/405248