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.
School of Psychology, University of Wales, College of Cardiff.
J M
JM
Pearce
P N
PN
Wilson
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