Absolute and Differential Cuing of Successive Reversals

Abstract

Successive reversals for a single pair of stimulus alternatives were signalled by means of a “differential” cuing method or 1 of 2 “absolute” cuing methods. Under differential cuing, there were 2 extra stimuli that corresponded to reversal and nonreversal, respectively. Under absolute cuing, there was only 1 extra stimulus, but its absence served as 1 signal and its presence served as another. Both possible ways of pairing presence vs absence with reversal vs nonreversal were studied. There were 30 human Ss divided equally among the 3 methods. Differential cuing was the most difficult method. Absolute cuing was least difficult when presence of the extra stimulus was coupled with reversal and absence of the extra stimulus with nonreversal.