In two experiments on rats (ws = 28, 36), acquisition and reversal of a simple brightness discrimination were evaluated as a function of the number of negative stimuli (one, Group 2; two, Group 3; four, Group 5) paired with a single positive stimulus. In reversal learning, groups with more negative stimuli consistently were significantly superior. Experiment 1: Group 5 > Group 2, Group 3 > Group 2; Experiment 2: Group 5 > Groups 2 or 3, Group 3 > Group 2. No significant group effects in acquisition were obtained. Results are discussed in relationship to the cue function of the negative stimulus and the overlearning reversal effect.
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