Response-Contingent Learning-Set Training in the Squirrel Monkey

Abstract

Two groups of squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus, were trained in learning set (LS) to determine the effect of making the stimulus objects' right-left position assignments contingent upon Ss' responses. In the first group, objects were assigned according to a random sequence, but in the second group the position of objects was contingent upon the nature of the preceding response. For this latter group, the right-left position assignments changed on each trial that followed a correct and reinforced trial; on all other trials the assignments remained unchanged. In subsequent test problems in which position assignments for both groups were on a random basis, the group that had its initial training in the response-contingent LS condition was significantly superior ( F = 16.7, p < .01). Results were interpreted in accord with the logic that the response-contingent method served to efficiently suppress the differential cue error factor.