Abstract
Rhesus monkeys were trained to press panels to escape or avoid shock. Escape and avoidance training were combined factorially with feature-positive (FP) and feature-negative (FN) discriminations. In the FP situation, S+ trials were characterized by one red and two green panel displays and S− consisted of an all green panel array. In the FN arrangement, S+ and S− arrays were reversed. When compared properly, FP discriminations were learned more readily than FN discriminations in both escape and avoidance training conditions. Positive tracking was associated with FP discriminations, and feature avoidance characterized the FN tasks. These data suggest that in primates, feature responses (i.e., tracking behaviors) are more a function of the operant contingency than of the Pavlovian correlation.
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This research was supported by Laboratory Director Funds appropriated to the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.
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McCoy, D.F., Yanko, D.M. Feature-positive and feature-negative discrimination learning maintained by negative reinforcement in rhesus monkeys. Animal Learning & Behavior 11, 460–464 (1983). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03199802
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03199802