The comparator theory fails to account for the selective role of within-compound associations in cue-selection effects.
In a human causal learning experiment, we investigated cue selection effects to test the comparator theory (Denniston, Savastano, & Miller, 2001; Miller & Matzel, 1988). The theory predicts that the occurrence of cue selection is independent of whether the relevant learning trials are presented in a standard forward manner or in a backward manner and that within-compound associations are of equal importance in both cases. We found that the strength of the cue-selection effect was positively correlated with knowledge of within-compound associations in the backward condition but not in the forward condition. Furthermore, cue-selection effects were less pronounced in the former than in the latter condition. These results are at variance with the comparator hypothesis but are in agreement with a modified associative theory and with the suggestion that retrospective revaluation might be due to rehearsal processes.
Melchers
Klaus G
KG
Universität Zürich, Switzerland. k.melchers@psychologie.unizh.ch
Lachnit
Harald
H
Shanks
David R
DR
D000328:Adult; D001245:Association Learning; D001288:Attention; D003463:Cues; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D011337:Probability Learning; D011340:Problem Solving; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology