Cross-modal transfer in monkeys.

Abstract

Thirty-nine monkeys were trained to make a successive level of illumination discrimination. They then learned an analogous successive auditory discrimination. 19 Ss were trained under conditions designed so that initial training on the visual task would enhance learning of the auditory task (positive condition). 20 Ss were trained under conditions designed to retard learning of the auditory task (negative condition). There was no enhancement in rate of learning of the auditory task for Ss trained under the positive condition. This finding was consistent for the total groups, for 11 pairs matched for performance on the visual task, and for initial as well as criterion performance for all Ss on the auditory task.