Discrimination of color-odor compounds by honeybees: Tests of a continuity model

Abstract

In experiments previously reported, individual honeybees were trained in a variety of problems to choose between two visually identical but differently scented targets, one or the other of which contained sucrose solution. The results could be simulated accurately with simple equations for computing changes in associative strength produced by reinforcement or nonreinforcement and for predicting choice on the basis of relative strength. In the present experiments, the targets used differed in color as well as in odor, and the animals were trained in a variety of problems with color-odor compounds. Contrary to expectation, the new results could be simulated accurately with the same equations as before on the further assumption that the components of a compound gain and lose associative strength independently (independence rule) and that the associative strength of a compound is equal to the sum of the strengths of its components (summation rule).