Logical rules and the classification of integral-dimension stimuli.
A classic distinction in perceptual information processing is whether stimuli are composed of separable dimensions, which are highly analyzable, or integral dimensions, which are processed holistically. Previous tests of a set of logical-rule models of classification have shown that separable-dimension stimuli are processed serially if the dimensions are spatially separated and as a mixture of serial and parallel processes if the dimensions are spatially overlapping (Fifić, Little, & Nosofsky, 2010; Little, Nosofsky, & Denton, 2011). In the current research, the logical-rule models are applied to predict response-time (RT) data from participants trained to classify integral-dimension color stimuli into rule-based categories. In dramatic contrast to the previous results for separable-dimension stimuli, analysis of the current data indicated that processing was best captured by a single-channel coactive model. The results converge with previous operations that suggest holistic processing of integral-dimension stimuli and demonstrate considerable generality for the application of the logical-rule models to predicting RT data from rule-based classification experiments.
School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. daniel.little@unimelb.edu.au
Daniel R
DR
Little
Robert M
RM
Nosofsky
Christopher
C
Donkin
Stephen E
SE
Denton
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008128:Logic; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities