Successive discrimination-reversal training and multiple discrimination training in one-trial learning by chimpanzees.

Abstract

Six chimpanzees received either successive discrimination-reversal training (SRT) with a single stimulus pair or multiple discrimination training (MDT). Upon achieving consistent 1-trial learning all Ss were shifted to a learning-set (LS) series of 200 4-trial discrimination problems. Once the tendency had been overcome to perseverate to the formerly rewarded stimulus under the reversal procedure, rates of learning under both techniques became similar. On the 1st block of 50 problems of the LS series, Trial-2 performances of Group SRT, Group MDT, and a control animal were 80%, 74%, and 52% correct, respectively. Results were found unfavorable to interpretation in terms of error factor theory and transfer suppression theory.