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LOCAL CONTRAST IN MULTIPLE SCHEDULES: THE EFFECT OF STIMULUS DISCRIMINABILITY
Author(s) -
Blough Patricia M.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
journal of the experimental analysis of behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.75
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1938-3711
pISSN - 0022-5002
DOI - 10.1901/jeab.1983.39-427
Subject(s) - contrast (vision) , stimulus (psychology) , computer science , psychology , artificial intelligence , cognitive psychology , speech recognition
A three‐ply multiple schedule assessed responding in a standard component as a function of the just‐preceding schedule. The principal experimental condition was the difference among the wavelengths signaling the schedule components. Only the pigeons working in a narrow wavelength range showed persistent positive local contrast; that is, response rate during the standard component was higher when that component followed extinction than when it followed itself. Birds in both narrow‐ and medium‐range groups showed persistent negative local contrast; that is, rate was lower following a relatively rich component. The dissipation of positive contrast appeared to be most clearly related to the establishment of differential responding. Negative contrast was inversely related to wavelength differences. Theories pertaining to contrast must account for the role of discrimination in both positive and negative types.