Performance of MA-matched nonretarded and retarded children on discrimination learning and transfer-shift tasks

The effects of the nature of the relevant dimension, response mode, imagery, and age on discrimination learning and shift performance was examined. Three age groups were used, CA 8 years-MA 8 years, CA 5 years-MA 5 years. CA 8 years-MA 5 years. The latter group learned both intradimensional and extradimensional shifts slower than did the former two groups. Subsequent analyses suggested that the reason for the slower learning in the retarded group was their greater frequency of control by dominant dimensions and/or the initial control by novel stimuli. A second finding was related to the particular procedure employed. Children were required to either press a button to indicate which of two stimuli was correct or pick up the correct stimulus. Form-relevant but not color-relevant problems were facilitated by the pick-up procedure. These findings suggest that dimensional dominance may be a consequence of the procedures employed in previous reports where children were or were not permitted to manipulate the stimuli.