Mathematical formulations of learning phenomena.

Spence, Kenneth W.

doi:10.1037/h0058010

Cited by 15 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 12 publications

(10 reference statements)

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“…Another key component is preference and for many, it is synonymous with choice. Preference builds on discrimination and inherently depends on value as a product of outcome dimensions (Hull, 1934; Spence, 1952; Volkert, Lerman, & Vorndran, 2005). Preference becomes more equal as reward value converges (e.g., isohedonia can lead to equivalence in choice over time; see Guttman, 1954).…”

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confidence: 99%

Fractionating choice: A study on reward discrimination, preference, and relative valuation in the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Ricker¹,

Hatch²,

Powers³

et al. 2016

Journal of Comparative Psychology

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Choice behavior combines discrimination between distinctive outcomes, preference for specific outcomes and relative valuation of comparable outcomes. Previous work has focused on one component (i.e., preference) disregarding other influential processes that might provide a more complete understanding. Animal models of choice have been explored primarily utilizing extensive training, limited freedom for multiple decisions and sparse behavioral measures constrained to a single phase of motivated action. The present study used a paradigm that combines different elements of previous methods with the goal to distinguish among components of choice and explore how well components match predictions based on risk-sensitive foraging strategies. In order to analyze discrimination and relative valuation, it was necessary to have an option that shifted and an option that remained constant. Shifting outcomes among weeks included a change in single-option outcome (0 to 1 to 2 pellets) or a change in mixed-option outcome (0 or 5 to 0 or 3 to 0 or 1 pellets). Constant outcomes among weeks were also mixedoption (0 or 3 pellets) or single-option (1 pellet). Shifting single-option outcomes among weeks led to better discrimination, more robust preference and significant incentive contrast effects for the alternative outcome. Shifting multi-options altered choice components and led to dissociations among discrimination, preference, and reduced contrast effects. During extinction, all components were impacted with the greatest deficits during the shifting mixed-option outcome sessions. Results suggest choice behavior can be optimized for one component but suboptimal for others depending upon the complexity of alterations in outcome value between options.

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confidence: 99%

Fractionating choice: A study on reward discrimination, preference, and relative valuation in the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Ricker¹,

Hatch²,

Powers³

et al. 2016

Journal of Comparative Psychology

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Elemental and configural associations, the hippocampus and development

Rudy

1991

Developmental Psychobiology

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Two views of the stimulus controlling learned behavior are contrasted. On the elemental view, the organism fractionates its environment into isolatable features or elements, and experience alters how it responds by strengthening or weakening associations among the elements. On the confrgural view, it is the representation of the pattern or conjunction of stimulus elements acting on the organism that acquires control over behavior. This paper addresses the issue of how to describe the stimulus from a comparatiuelorganismic perspective and argues that separate neural systems are available that support both elemental and configural associations. Normal adult rats and rats with hippocampalformation damage, and different-aged rats and children were compared on tasks that permit a solution based only on elemental associations and tasks that only can be solved if the organism can acquire configural associations, Subjects in all comparison conditions were able to solve tasks that permit an elemental solution, but animals with hippocampal-formation damage, preweanling rats, and children less than 55 months of age were significantly impaired on tasks that required solving configural associations. Some implications of this data pattern are discussed.Learning theorists have long debated how to best describe the stimulus that controls a learned behavior. Two basic approaches to this issue can be identified (see Rudy & Wagner, 1975 An example will help clarify the two positions. Suppose an organism experiences a compound stimulus composed of two elements, a and b, followed by a third element, c . How should one think about the nature of the associative linkages that are formed between the ab compound and c? Elemental theorists assume the organism fractures its world into independent stimulus elements, features, or attributes and that experience alters how it responds to its environment by strengthening or weakening associations among the elements. In the example, the components a and b independently associate with c. Elemental theorists also assume that Reprint requests should be sent to J. W. Rudy, Department of Psychology, CB-345, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309.

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Strategies for Replication Research Exemplified by Replications of the Istomina Study

Reese

1999

Developmental Review

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Mathematical formulations of learning phenomena.

Cited by 15 publications

References 12 publications

Fractionating choice: A study on reward discrimination, preference, and relative valuation in the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Fractionating choice: A study on reward discrimination, preference, and relative valuation in the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Elemental and configural associations, the hippocampus and development

Strategies for Replication Research Exemplified by Replications of the Istomina Study

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