title: Learning in the temporal bisection task: Relative or absolute?
abstract: We examined whether temporal learning in a bisection task is absolute or relational. Eight pigeons learned to choose a red key after a t-seconds sample and a green key after a 3t-seconds sample. To determine whether they had learned a relative mapping (short→Red, long→Green) or an absolute mapping (t-seconds→Red, 3t-seconds→Green), the pigeons then learned a series of new discriminations in which either the relative or the absolute mapping was maintained. Results showed that the generalization gradient obtained at the end of a discrimination predicted the pattern of choices made during the first session of a new discrimination. Moreover, most acquisition curves and generalization gradients were consistent with the predictions of the learning-to-time model, a Spencean model that instantiates absolute learning with temporal generalization. In the bisection task, the basis of temporal discrimination seems to be absolute, not relational.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology.
authors.forename: Marilia Pinheiro
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: de Carvalho
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology.
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Pará
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tonneau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior; D010856:Columbidae; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D013998:Time Perception