Introduction of Novel Irrelevant Cues in Discrimination Learning

Abstract

20 albino rats were trained to criterion (90% correct) on a brightness discrimination in the presence of irrelevant form cues. Using an optional shift paradigm, all Ss were required to reverse the initially learned response with respect to brightness cues. During this phase, novel form cues were introduced for one group (10 Ss). Split-plot factorial analyses of variance (trials and errors to criterion) indicated there were reliable differences in learning rate between the novel-cue and same-cue groups in the optional shift phase. No significant consistent responses were observed in the test phase. Results were interpreted as more in support of continuity theory, although the lack of information on the conditions under which inter-task transfer fails to occur makes this conclusion somewhat tenuous.