Anomalous transfer effects after shape discrimination training in the rat

Abstract

Krechevsky has observed an anomalous transfer effect in rats which he explained by the Gestalt principle of proximity. The effect has been referred to by others more or less as a curiosity, but has not generated further research until now. The effect was replicated under tighter and more extensive conditions, and was found to apply to both positive and negative training shapes. The importance of these findings for behavioral analysis of shape and contour coding in the mammalian visual system is discussed.