An experiment was undertaken to test a cognitive interpretation of PRE. Two groups (50% and 100%) were trained in the selection of a black object presented alone. Subsequently, the black object was paired with a white object for both groups; the black object was now negative and the white object was consistently reinforcing. On the basis of a cognitive hypothesis it was predicted that the learning of the black-white discrimination would be facilitated in the 50% group, relative to the 100% group. The prediction was confirmed. Experiments were suggested for testing the generality of the cognitive hypothesis in the usual discrimination and discrimination-reversal situation.
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