Spatial discrimination and reversal learning based upon differential percentage of reinforcement.

Abstract

3 groups of rats were given free and forced trials over original learning and reversal phases in spatial discriminations having reinforcement-percentage ratios of 100:0, 100:33, and 100:67. In original learning all 3 groups developed a preference for the 100% side but the 2 continuous-partial groups were significantly slower in doing this than the 100:0 group. In reversal phases the 100:0 Ss showed appropriate shifting of preferences, the 100:33 Ss showed progressively poorer performance, and the 100:67 Ss did not reverse at all. The course of vacillatory behavior on choice trials and differential response tendencies on forced trials was also traced throughout the experiment, providing a number of meaningful quantitative relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)