Value Transfer in Discriminative Conditioning with Pigeons

摘要: The existence of a direct value transfer between stimuli in the context instrumental discrimination learning is demonstrated. In first experiment pigeons learned to discriminate instrumentally four successively presented target stimuli. Pecks them were reinforced with graded amounts reward and penalty (A++, B+, C-, D- -). These accompanied by different neutral (Na, Nb, Nc, Nd) but responses these had no consequences. After been established pairs absence tests revealed preference accordance hypothesis. second taught two A+ B-. Each was again stimulus Nb). Pigeons developed strong for Na. A reversal affecting (B+, A-) led reversed Nb. third employed similar design it one group pigeons, unlike control group, prevented from pecking transparent barriers. As both groups preferred reward-related approximately equal strength concluded that classical conditioning, rather than pseudo-operant conditioning responsible observed. modification an algebraic model incorporating adventitious element shown emulate obtained. role discussed.