Subproblem analysis of discrimination learning: Stimulus choice and response latency

Abstract

Pigeons received extradimensional shifts in a simultaneous two-dimensional (form and position), two-pair discrimination. Analysis of stimulus choice on the individual pairs (subproblems) during shift indicated that independent learning of the subproblems was the rule among subjects shifted from form to position while subjects shifted from position to form showed individual differences in degree of subproblem independence. Response latencies mirrored the degree of independence manifested in stimulus choice behavior. The data are discussed in relation to both single-stage (Spencean) and two-stage (attentional) models.