Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Blocking of goal-location learning based on shape

Alexander, Tim; Wilson, Stuart P; Wilson, Stuart P.; Wilson, Paul; Wilson, Paul N.

Authors

Stuart P Wilson

Stuart P. Wilson

Paul Wilson

Paul N. Wilson



Abstract

Using desktop, computer-simulated virtual environments (VEs), the authors conducted 5 experiments to investigate blocking of learning about a goal location based on Shape B as a consequence of preliminary training to locate that goal using Shape A. The shapes were large 2-dimensional horizontal figures on the ground. Blocking of spatial learning was found when the initially trained Shape A was presented in the context of auxiliary shapes that were anticipated to be irrelevant to goal localization. When Shape A was initially presented in the absence of these auxiliary shapes, no evidence of blocking between shapes was apparent. The results are discussed in terms of the similarity between spatial and other forms of contingency learning, the operation of a specialized geometric module, and changes in attention as a consequence of discrimination learning.

Citation

Alexander, T., Wilson, S. P., & Wilson, P. N. (2009). Blocking of goal-location learning based on shape. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35(3), 694-708. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015124

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 1, 2009
Deposit Date Nov 13, 2014
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal Of Experimental Psychology-Learning Memory And Cognition
Print ISSN 0278-7393
Electronic ISSN 0278-7393
Publisher American Psychological Association
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 35
Issue 3
Pages 694-708
DOI https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015124
Keywords Blocking; Spatial learning; Geometry; Shape; Attention
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/460334