The dimensionality of perceptual category learning: a state-trace analysis.
State-trace analysis was used to investigate the effect of concurrent working memory load on perceptual category learning. Initial reanalysis of Zeithamova and Maddox (2006, Experiment 1) revealed an apparently two-dimensional state-trace plot consistent with a dual-system interpretation of category learning. However, three modified replications of the original experiment found evidence of a single resource underlying the learning of both rule-based and information integration category structures. Follow-up analyses of the Zeithamova and Maddox data, restricted to only those participants who had learned the category task and performed the concurrent working memory task adequately, revealed a one-dimensional plot consistent with a single-resource interpretation and the results of the three new experiments. The results highlight the potential of state-trace analysis in furthering our understanding of the mechanisms underlying category learning.
Newell
Ben R
BR
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. ben.newell@unsw.edu.au
Dunn
John C
JC
Kalish
Michael
M
D001288:Attention; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009949:Orientation; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011336:Probability; D012691:Serial Learning; D013028:Space Perception; D057190:Stroop Test