THE ROLE OF INCENTIVE IN DISCRIMINATION LEARNING IN CHILDREN1,2,3

摘要: Many of the experiments involving effects different incentives on children's learning have employed relatively complex tasks (0, 3). In order to provide for more rigorous experimental control, incentive studies simple concepts need be done. Then, as we improve our methods, can satisfactorily study tasks. Accordingly, experiment reported here is second in a series designed various discrimination and transposition children. previous (5), differential five acquisition button pushing response larger two three-dimensional geometric objects were studied. The praise, immediate candy, reproof, delayed light flash. this earlier problem, Ss, preand elementary school children, assigned candy condition learned concept "larger than" significantly quickly than did Ss all other groups, transposed consistently any groups except Ss. nonsignificant difference performance test was somewhat surprising. Even surprising, perhaps, fact that, under condition, younger fourand five-year-olds, just older eightand nine-year-olds. This contrary reports casual observation made by teachers supervisors learning. It believed that nature reward facilitated transfer. transferred dried bean from one jar another after each correct response, told soon they had enough beans could trade