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Sign- versus goal-tracking: effects of conditioned-stimulus-to-unconditioned-stimulus distance
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Pigeons shift between sign-tracking and goal-tracking behaviors based on the distance between stimuli. This suggests tracking behavior is influenced by stimulus proximity and potentially competes between species.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Animal cognition
- Comparative psychology
Background:
- Sign-tracking and goal-tracking are distinct associative learning behaviors.
- The conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US) distance is a critical variable in associative learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how varying the CS-US distance influences sign-tracking and goal-tracking in pigeons.
- To explore the interplay between sign-tracking and goal-tracking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons were exposed to five different CS-US distances in a sign-/goal-tracking procedure.
- A 3D computer-controlled tracking system monitored pigeon head position.
Main Results:
- Pigeons sign-tracked at short CS-US distances and goal-tracked at long CS-US distances.
- Intermediate distances resulted in a mix of sign- and goal-tracking, with sign-tracking occurring earlier.
- Behavioral tendencies may compete and cancel each other out at intermediate distances.
Conclusions:
- CS-US distance is a key determinant of sign- vs. goal-tracking behavior.
- Species differences in tracking may relate to quantitative differences in optimal CS-US distances.
- Phylogenetic and reinforcement variables interact to shape tracking behaviors.
