Behaviors observed during S- in a simple discrimination learning task

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: The behavioral criterion of "discrimination" is met when some type of differential responding is observed. Differential performance may be conceptualized as different strengths of a given response where strength is reflected in some quantitative dimension, e.g., rate of occurrence. In the present experiment, keypecking of pigeons was reinforced with food in the presence of a horizontal line (S+). Keypecking was never reinforced in the presence of a vertical line (S—). Discrimination training resulted in high overall rates of keypecking in the presence of the S+ and low overall rates in the presence of the S-. Generalization tests resulted in systematically decreasing overall keypecking rates as the value of the test stimuli were varied away from the S+ value.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1974
Subjects
Conditioned response
Reinforcement (Psychology)
Pigeons $x Behavior

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