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Memory for sequences of stimuli and responses
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|July 1, 1980
Summary
Pigeons can remember recent sequences of stimuli and responses. Short-term memory in pigeons is affected by the retention interval, supporting organized behavior patterns.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Animal behavior
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Investigating short-term memory in non-human animals provides insights into memory mechanisms.
- Understanding sequence memory is crucial for comprehending complex cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if pigeons can discriminate and remember recent sequences of stimuli and responses.
- To examine the role of short-term memory in organizing behavior patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Konorski's short-term memory procedure with successive stimulus-response pair presentations.
- Employed differential test responding to assess memory of two-item sample sequences.
Main Results:
- Pigeons demonstrated memory for two-item sample sequences, with stronger control by the second item.
- Increased retention intervals led to a loss of stimulus control, indicating memory decay.
- Intervals between sample items had minimal impact on memory performance.
Conclusions:
- Pigeons exhibit short-term memory for stimulus-response sequences.
- Memory performance is sensitive to the retention interval, suggesting temporal decay.
- Findings support theories emphasizing short-term memory in organized behavioral sequences.
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