Configural associations in discrimination learning.
In 4 experiments, Sprague-Dawley rats and homing pigeons received training with an A+ AB0 BC+ discrimination, in which food (+) accompanied trials with A and BC. Food was not presented (0) on trials with the compound AB. Subsequent test trials revealed that responding during C by itself, or the compound ABC, was slower than during either A or BC. Responding during the ABC compound was also found to be slower after training with the A+ AB0 BC+ than an A0 AB+ BC+ discrimination. We argue that these findings demonstrate the importance of configural associations in discrimination learning. Two accounts for the way in which these associations exert their influence are considered.
Pearce
J M
JM
School of Psychology, University of Wales, College of Cardiff.
Wilson
P N
PN
D000818:Animals; D001070:Appetitive Behavior; D001245:Association Learning; D001288:Attention; D001307:Auditory Perception; D010856:Columbidae; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014796:Visual Perception