Investigation of the source of stimulus control as a function of the number of negative training stimuli

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Judith Furber Rand (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Ernest Lumsden

Abstract: S-'s) presented during differential training. The stimuli employed in both studies were complex, three-dimensional objects. The first experiment was performed to determine whether or not rates to a novel stimulus was a function of the number of different S-s's. Results showed that subjects trained with only one S- (Group I) responded to the novel object at a rate equal to or greater than the rate to the S+. Those subjects trained with five S-'s (Group III) responded to the novel stimulus at a rate similar to the rate emitted to the S-'s. Response rates to the novel stimulus of subjects trained with three S-'s (Group II) were Intermediate to the rates to the S+ and S-'s. The high rate of response to the novel stimulus of subjects in Group I was taken as behavioral evidence that the novel stimulus was not discriminated from the S+ but was discriminated from the S-, supporting an hypothesis that their responding was under control of the S- (i.e.. do not respond if S-; otherwise respond). The low rate of response to the novel object by Group III birds was considered to indicate S+ control (i.e., respond if S+; otherwise do not respond). It was concluded that rates of response to a novel stimulus might be considered as an indicant of the source and degree of stimulus control.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1972
Subjects
Discrimination learning
Wild birds as laboratory animals

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