Rigidity as a function of reversal and non-reversal shifts in the learning of successive discriminations.

Abstract

Two groups of S's were trained on 3 discrimination problems using blocks differing in height, form, and color. Reversal shift or non-reversal shift occurred in Series 1 learning and the subsequent effects on Series 2 and 3 learning were studied. Results showed that both reversal shift and non-reversal shift retarded subsequent learning compared to a control group. Non-reversal shift resulted in slower learning on Series 2 and 3 then reversal shift. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)