Analysis of discrimination learning by monkeys.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper analyzes various factors which operate to produce errors in discrimination learning and learning-set formation of monkeys. Eleven monkeys were presented a series of 32 preliminary 50-trial discrimination problems and 200 6-trial discriminations. Eight of the subjects were then given a series of 112 discrimination reversal problems. Analysis of the error factors in discrimination learning is based on the data from the 11 subjects given the 200 problems, whereas analysis of errors in learning-set formation is based on the data from the 8 subjects having all 344 problems. Each problem utilized a different pair of multi-variant stimulus objects. Predetermined, positional sequences were used to balance reward of the left and right positions an equal no. of times, and to provide varying nos. of trials before the positions of the objects on a given problem shifted, The curves based on discriminations 1-100 and 101-200 showed extremely rapid learning (e.g., on trial 2 of the first and second 100 problems, subjects made 82 and 87% correct responses.) Three main error factors were found in the analysis: stimulus perseveration, differential cue and response shift. Frequency of errors was not found to be related to the amt. of food previously consumed or the no. of preceding trials during the day''s run. Analysis of the data from the series of 344 problems revealed a negatively accelerated learning-set curve. The operation of the error factors and their differential rates of reduction were analyzed from the problem to problem data.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: