Control Of Complex, Sequential Operants By Systematic Visual Information In Pigeons

Analyzed the role of the light matrix in 2 experiments with 32 White Carneaux pigeons. In Exp I, either there was no matrix or matrix illumination changed randomly rather than systematically with responses. When previously trained Ss had matrix cues removed or randomized, performance was substantially disrupted, but it partially recovered with experience. Naive Ss exposed to the task without matrix cues developed efficient response sequences when exposed to systematic matrix cues. Naive Ss exposed to the randomized matrix developed moderately efficient response sequences. In Exp II, Ss were exposed to systematic matrix cues, but with the relation between key choice and matrix change reversed every 5 sessions. Ss developed efficient and stereotyped response sequences. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved