Overtraining and optional shift behavior in rats and children.

Abstract
Following training to respond to 1 dimension of a 2-dimensional discrimination, rats and 3- and 4-yr.-old children of learning a 2nd discrimination by executing either a reversal or an extradimensional shift, or by responding nonselectively. Rats received 0, 200, or 300 overtraining (OT) trials in the initial discrimination, and children 0 or 100 OT trials. OT increased the proportion of optional reversal shifts (RS) in children but tended to decrease it in rats. Optional RS was relatively infrequent in rats as compared to children. In both species preference for RS varied with the dimension relevant in the initial discrimination.

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