A configural analysis for feature-negative discrimination learning.
In 4 experiments, rats were initially trained with an A+ AXo discrimination in which Stimulus A by itself signaled the delivery of food, A+, whereas the simultaneous presentation of A and X was followed by nothing, AXo. In each experiment X was then paired with food prior to a test phase in which A and X were again presented for a discrimination. The discrimination was of the form A+ AXo in Experiments 1 and 2, whereas it was of the form X+ AXo for Experiments 3 and 4. In all 4 experiments the test discrimination was acquired more rapidly than a control discrimination. The results are interpreted in terms of the original A+ AXo discrimination resulting in the growth of an association between a representation of the entire AX compound and the effects of nonreinforcement.
Wilson
P N
PN
University of Wales College of Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Pearce
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001070:Appetitive Behavior; D001143:Arousal; D001245:Association Learning; D001288:Attention; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains