Effects of retention interval on performance in a numerical reproduction task.
The retention interval (RI) between the sample and production phase in a numerical reproduction task was varied to determine whether a "produce-small" effect would be obtained with increased delays. Four pigeons were trained with a retention interval of 2s, and then tested with intervals of 0.5s and 8s. Results showed a number-dependent, "produce-large" effect-response number increased when RI was increased-analyses of average response number and accuracy suggested RI affected responding most on the 2-flash trials with an 8-s RI. Additionally, discrimination between trial types decreased as RI increased. Existing explanations for the "choose-short/small" effect appear unable to account for these results; however the "produce-large" effect may be attributed to a disruption in stimulus control over responding.
Tan
Lavinia
L
University of Canterbury, Department of Psychology, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. lct29@student.canterbury.ac.nz
D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D007100:Imitative Behavior; D008433:Mathematics; D011930:Reaction Time; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D013997:Time Factors