The behavior of cats on the double-alternation problem.

Abstract

Cats were trained in double-alternation problems on the Wisconsin General Test Apparatus. They were tested initially on 10 sequences of 4 responses per day for 30 days or until they achieved a criterion of 80% correct responses over a 5-day period. This was followed by 6 sequences of 8 responses per day for 15 days. The 4-response sequence was learned in from 190 to 450 sequences; no significant learning occurred in the 8-response sequence, although some correct sequences occurred and one cat achieved 30% correct sequences. It was concluded that cats, unlike monkeys, do not show superior double-alternation performance when manipulatory rather than locomotor responses were required, and "that a quantitative rather than a qualitative difference exists between cat and primate with respect to ability to extend the double-alternation principle.".