Abstract
Sequential priming refers to speeded visual search when target identity or location is repeated within a trial sequence. In two experiments with pigeons, we addressed the relative contributions of stimulus-driven factors and learned expectancies to this effect. Pigeons pecked at targets during trialwise presentations of visual-search displays. Random-sequence conditions minimized the role of expectancy by introducing same-target or same-location trial sequences unpredictably. Blocked-sequence conditions added predictability by regular repetition of target and/or location over trials. Intertrial interval varied from 0.5 to 3 sec. The findings revealed significant reductions in reaction time during predictable target or location sequences compared with unpredictable repetitions within random contexts. Stimulus-driven factors do not seem to have an important role in many instances of sequential priming. Expectancy-based priming of target and location followed similar patterns.
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This research was supported by Grant BNS 88-19876 from the National Science Foundation. We are grateful to Donald S. Blough for his comments and suggestions.
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Blough, P.M., Lacourse, D.M. Sequential priming in visual search: Contributions of stimulus-driven facilitation and learned expectancies. Animal Learning & Behavior 22, 275–281 (1994). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209835
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209835