The effects of using stimuli from three different dimensions on autoshaping with a complex negative patterning discrimination

Pearce, John M.; George, David N.

Abstract

In two experiments pigeons received a complex negative patterning discrimination, using autoshaping, in which food was made available after three stimuli if they were presented alone (A, B, C), or in pairs (AB, AC, BC), but not when they were all presented together (ABC). Subjects also received a positive patterning discrimination in which three additional stimuli were not followed by food when presented alone (D, E, F), or in pairs (DE, DF, EF), but they were followed by food when presented together (DEF). Stimuli A and D belonged to one dimension, B and E to a second dimension, and D and F to a third dimension. For both problems, the discrimination between the individual stimuli and the triple-element compounds developed more readily than that between the pairs of stimuli and the triple-element compound. The results are consistent with predictions that can be derived from a configural theory of conditioning.

Citation

Pearce, J. M., & George, D. N. (2002). The effects of using stimuli from three different dimensions on autoshaping with a complex negative patterning discrimination. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section B. Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 55(4b), 349-364. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724990244000061

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2002
• Publication Date: 2002-10
• Journal: QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY SECTION B-COMPARATIVE AND PHYS
• Print ISSN: 0272-4995
• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 55
• Issue: 4b
• Pages: 349-364
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02724990244000061
• Keywords: summation similarity model
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/405262