Abstract
Following a stimulus-familiarization phase, children responded in a button-pressing task to a familiarized stimulus (FS) and to three nonfamiliarized stimuli (NS1, NS2, NS3). The nonfamiliar stimuli varied in degree of similarity (color) to the FS; NS1 was the most similar and NS3 the least. A stimulus-familiarization effect (SFE) was obtained, with greater start speeds to NS3 than to FS. Analysis of start latencies produced a comparable effect (ie., FS>NS3) and also a “generalized” SFE (NS2>NS3). The results were interpreted within an OR-habituation hypothesis. The discrepancy between the speed and latency findings was discussed.
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This article is based on an MA Equivalence thesis presented to the Institute of Child Behavior and Development, University of Iowa. The advice and assistance of Prof. Gordon N. Cantor are gratefully acknowledged. The author also wishes to express his appreciation to James Blank (Director of Elementary Education, Iowa City Community School District) and Jerome Hogarty (Principal, Henry Sabin Elementary School)
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Kubose, S.K. The stimulus familiarization effect as a function of stimulus similarity. Psychon Sci 18, 367–368 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332403
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332403