Abstract
Four squirrel monkeys were trained on the following problems in the order given: (1) one-odd, (2) complex two-odd, (3) 200 oddity problems with five trials per problem, (4) a median of 87 oddity problems with a reversal of the odd object on Trial 4, and (5) 60 oddity problems with reversals of the odd object on Trial 3, 4, or 5. All Ss learned the one-odd within 61 trials. Three Ss reached criterion on the two-odd (median = 800 trials) and the remaining S performed well. The Ss improved on Trial 1 performance in oddity set (51% correct on first 40 trials vs 81% correct on last 40). In oddity training with reversals on Trial 4, the performance on Trial 1 was not affected, and there was only temporary disruption of Trial 4 performance; reversals on Trials 3, 4, or 5 had no significant effect. Results are discussed in terms of the evidence necessary to conclude that an animal is using oddity as his cue.
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The present work was based in part on the MS thesis of the first author from the University of Georgia.
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Noble, C.S., Thomas, R.K. Oddity learning in the squirrel monkey. Psychon Sci 19, 305–307 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328830
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328830