Choice‐sequence Patterns in Binary‐choice “Learning” by Retardates1,2

Abstract

Sixty-seven middle-grade and 53 high-grade retardates were assigned to either control or experimental binary-choice-task groups. Control sUbjects were invariably reinforced.) regardless of choice. Various response patterns were differentially reinforced for experimental subjects. Single alternation was overwhelmingly preferred) and there was little choicese~uence pattern variability. These results were attributed to a lowered tendency in retardates to avoid long se~uences of alternation responses.

Alternation in a spatial orientation task

“…Normal children and educable retarded adolescents have a greater tendency to alternate in these tasks than normal adults. Even under 100-100 percent reinforcement, alternation is higher in the response-sequence hierarchy of low MA populations than any other response sequence (Gerjuoy & Gerjuoy, 1964;Rieber, 1966). Retardates will persist in alternating although alternation no longer leads to 100% reinforcement, and although some other response pattern would result in reinforcement on each trial.…”

“…Alternation is a favored sequential response mode in binary-choice guessing-game tasks Gerjuoy & Winters, 1965) and in binary-choice learning tasks (Gerjuoy & Gerjuoy, 1964). Normal children and educable retarded adolescents have a greater tendency to alternate in these tasks than normal adults.…”