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A differential-outcome effect in pigeons using spatial hedonically nondifferential outcomes
Andrea M Friedrich1, Thomas R Zentall
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0044, USA.
Learning & Behavior
|February 1, 2011
Summary
Differential outcomes, even without hedonic differences, influence pigeons' choices in matching tasks. These outcomes improve accuracy but do not solely determine the choice.
Area of Science:
- Comparative psychology
- Animal cognition
- Behavioral neuroscience
Background:
- The differential-outcome effect (DOE) in animal learning suggests that outcomes differing in value influence choice behavior.
- Previous research primarily focused on outcomes with varying hedonic (pleasure-seeking) properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if nonhedonically different outcomes can control comparison choices in pigeons.
- To determine if differential outcomes are necessary for the differential-outcome effect.
- To assess the role of sample stimuli versus outcome expectations in choice behavior.
Main Methods:
- Pigeons were trained on matching-to-sample tasks with differential feeder locations as outcomes.
- Experiments involved manipulating sample stimuli and outcome expectations to test control over comparison choices.
- Delayed-matching accuracy and transfer of learning were measured.
Main Results:
- Differential feeder location outcomes facilitated delayed-matching accuracy in pigeons.
- Positive transfer was observed when task samples were interchanged after training with differential outcomes.
- Sample stimuli maintained control over choices even when differential-outcome expectations were removed as cues.
Conclusions:
- Nonhedonically different differential outcomes are sufficient to control comparison choices in pigeons.
- The differential hedonic value of outcomes is not a prerequisite for the differential-outcome effect.
- Differential outcomes enhance matching accuracy but do not negate the influence of sample stimuli on choice.
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