Multidimensional Stimulus Differences in Discrimination Learning and Verbalization of the Reinforcement Contingency

Abstract

This study explored the effects of the number of dimensional differences on discrimination learning in a verbal conditioning task. The stimulus dimensions were degree of hostile connotation and color disparity. Ss were presented pairs of neutral and hostile words and were reinforced for using hostile words. In one group, the hostile group, the hostile words were printed in different colors from the neutral words; in the other group, both were printed in the same color. In one group, the hostile words were of mild intensity; in the other group they were of intense hostility. Color disparity was the only variable consistently to affect use of the reinforced hostile word and post-experimental report of the response reinforcement contingency.