Comparative psychology of learning: Recent issues and problems

摘要: Comparative research on learning has progressed slowly since the publication of Thorndike's dissertation a hundred years ago. Part of the difficulty lies in peculiar methodological problems that arise when the learned behavior of various species is compared. Stressed is placed on comparison of functional relationships between factors thought to affect learning chosen by theoretical considerations and behavior used to assess learning in specific situations. This so-called method of systematic variation is illustrated with an example from research on the effects of partial reinforcement on extinction of instrumental behavior in two groups of vertebrates, placental mammals and turtles.