Color as an Attentional Cue in Discrimination Learning

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that while multiple hue color cues can have a facilitative effect on initial learning, they can produce negative effects on a non-cued criterion task. The present study was designed to determine if single hue color cues could facilitate initial learning without being disruptive at transfer. Manipulations involved condition of availability of these cues. 102 S's, in three treatment groups were presented with a learning sequence. Availability was varied in no color, maximum color, and vanished color conditions. Achievement was measured on three tasks, visual memory, visual discrimination, and a pariedassociate task. Results indicated that vanished single hue color cues can facilitate learning without interference.Previous research has demonstrated that young subjects have difficulty discriminating between graphemes and other graphic characters which are similar, particularly reversals and inversions (Asso and Wyke, 1971;Davidson, 1935;Gibson, et al, 1962;Popp, 1964;Smith, 1928). However, as Hyman and Cohen (1975) point out the bulk of research has been concerned more with endogenic factors attempting to identify the etiology or characteristics of subjects manifesting these confusions. Too little research has investigated exogenic factors, specifically the modifiability of the stimuli or the learning environment. Similar criticism of past research is offered by Strother (1975). As one example of exogenic research he cites the work of Zeaman and House (1963) who demonstrated that children, identified as perceptually handicapped, unable to discriminate between a triangle and a diamond had a basic difficulty in learning to focus visual attention on relevant aspects of the task. Once this difficulty was overcome the apparent perceptual handicap dissipated. The Zeaman and House study is of particular relevance because while investigating the comparative effects of training using three a This research was conducted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the