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The Effect of Retention Interval on Stimulus Over-selectivity using a Matching-to-sample Paradigm

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders volume 36, pages 1115–1121 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The conditions under which stimulus over-selectivity occurred were studied using a matching-to-sample procedure with non-autistic adults. A matching-to-sample discrimination learning task with a number of sample-comparison retention intervals was used. The results demonstrated that an increase in retention interval increased the degree of stimulus overselectivity displayed. In addition, it was shown that the matching-to-sample procedure is suitable for eliciting overselectivity in a non-autistic adult sample.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to Evelyn Gibson, Gauri Purswani, Vicki Cockram and Monika Lanz for help in collecting these data, and to Lisa A. Osborne for her support and comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK

    Phil Reed

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  1. Phil Reed
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Correspondence to Phil Reed.

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Reed, P. The Effect of Retention Interval on Stimulus Over-selectivity using a Matching-to-sample Paradigm. J Autism Dev Disord 36, 1115–1121 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0148-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0148-4

Keywords

  • Autism
  • Overselectivity
  • Delayed matching-to-sample
  • Memory
  • Humans