Blocking of goal-location learning based on shape

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

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
• Journal: Journal Of Experimental Psychology-Learning Memory And Cognition
• Print 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
• Contract Date: Nov 13, 2014