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A note on the measurement of conditional discrimination
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Accuracy is not a reliable measure for evaluating conditional discrimination, especially at intermediate performance levels. Relying on accuracy can lead to incorrect conclusions about experimental control in behavioral research.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Experimental psychology
Background:
- Conditional discrimination is a fundamental concept in behavioral research.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of stimulus control is crucial for understanding learning and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze extreme forms of stimulus control generated by conditional discrimination procedures.
- To determine if accuracy serves as a reliable measurement scale for evaluating stimulus control.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of stimulus control within a conditional discrimination procedure.
- Examination of performance accuracy at various levels.
Main Results:
- Accuracy does not constitute an orderly scale for measurement in this context.
- Intermediate accuracy levels can yield misleading interpretations of experimental control.
Conclusions:
- Accuracy alone is insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation of conditional discrimination.
- Over-reliance on accuracy can obscure the true nature of stimulus control in experiments.