Abstract
With the contingent event probabilities of π1 = π2 =.50, alternating response choices across the E0 event was investigated as a function of the two interpretations of this event, namely a wrong prediction or a blank trial. Groups receiving both interpretations of E0 showed some tendency to alternate choices across E0. Groups instructed with a single or neither interpretation displayed a tendency to repeat the E0-trial choice on the next trial, which for the group given wrong-prediction instructions reached a significant level in the first 40 trials. However, the latter result differed markedly from the alternation tendency across the wrong-prediction E0 found in a treatment group which had individual E0’s designated as either wrong predictions or blank trials during training. No satisfactory explanation for this discrepancy could be given.
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1. This research was supported by a grant from the University of Alabama Research Committee.
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Koehler, J. Alternation responding following nonreinforcement (Eo) in 2-choice probability learning as a function of instructed interpretations of Eo . Psychon Sci 8, 251–252 (1967). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03331646
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03331646