Learning strategies in matching to sample: if-then and configural learning by pigeons

Behav Processes. 2008 Feb;77(2):223-30. doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2007.10.011. Epub 2007 Nov 9.

Abstract

Pigeons learned a matching-to-sample task with a split training-set design in which half of the stimulus displays were untrained and tested following acquisition. Transfer to the untrained displays along with no novel-stimulus transfer indicated that these pigeons learned the task (partially) via if-then rules. Comparisons to other performance measures indicated that they also partially learned the task via configural learning (learning the gestalt of the whole stimulus display). Differences in the FR-sample requirement (1 vs. 20) had no systematic effect on the type of learning or level of learning obtained. Differences from a previous study [Wright, A.A., 1997. Concept learning and learning strategies. Psychol. Sci. 8, 119-123] are discussed, including the effect of displaying the stimuli vertically (traditional display orientation) or horizontally from the floor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition*
  • Columbidae
  • Discrimination Learning*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual*
  • Problem Solving*
  • Transfer, Psychology*