Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21072
Title: Reinforced variability and sequence learning in hens, possums and humans
Contributor(s): Doolan, Kathleen (author); Bizo, Lewis  (author); McEwan, James (author)
Publication Date: 2012
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21072
Abstract: Previous research shows that reinforcement of variable responding will facilitate sequence learning in rats (Neuringer, Deiss & Olson, 2000) but may interfere with sequence learning in humans (Maes & van der Goot, 2006). The present study aimed to replicate and extend previous research by assessing the role of behavioural variability in the learning of difficult target sequences across 3 species: humans (n = 60), hens (n = 18) and possums (n = 6). Participants were randomly allocated to one of three experimental conditions (Control, Variable, Any). In the Control conditions sequences were only reinforced if they were the target sequence, in the Variability conditions sequences were concurrently reinforced on a Variable Interval 60-s schedule if the just entered sequence met a variability criterion, and in the Any condition sequences were concurrently reinforced on a Variable Interval 60-s schedule for any sequence entered. The results support previous findings with animals and humans; hens and possums were more likely to learn the target sequence in the Variability condition, and human participants were more likely to learn the target sequence in the Control condition. Possible explanations for differences between the performance of humans and animals on this task will be discussed.
Publication Type: Conference Publication
Conference Details: NZABA 2012 Conference: 9th Annual Conference of the New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis, Wellington, New Zealand, 1st - 2nd September, 2012
Source of Publication: New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis 9th Annual Conference Programme, p. 11-11
Publisher: New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis (NZABA)
Place of Publication: Auckland, New Zealand
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 170299 Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified
170199 Psychology not elsewhere classified
170112 Sensory Processes, Perception and Performance
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 520401 Cognition
520199 Applied and developmental psychology not elsewhere classified
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 970117 Expanding Knowledge in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology
HERDC Category Description: E3 Extract of Scholarly Conference Publication
Publisher/associated links: https://nzaba.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/complete-programme-nzaba2012.pdf
Appears in Collections:Conference Publication

Files in This Item:
3 files
File Description SizeFormat 
Show full item record

Page view(s)

1,380
checked on Aug 11, 2024
Google Media

Google ScholarTM

Check


Items in Research UNE are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.