Abstract
Two groups of goldfish were run 200 trials in a shuttle-box; consistently shocking one side for one group, and shocking one side 80% of the time and the opposite side 20% for the second group. The 100% group chose the nonshocked side with a 100% frequency at asymptote. The 80% group chose the least frequently shocked chamber with a frequency significantly lower than the 100% group, but significantly greater than 80%. Difficulties for several theories of probability learning are discussed.
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The assistance of the University of Southern California Computer Sciences Laboratory and the Honeywell Corporation in providing computing time is gratefully acknowledged. The computer programs used in this study are available from the first author upon request.
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Young, F.W., Peeke, H.V.S. Probability learning in the goldfish: I. Aversive reinforcement. Psychon Sci 4, 373–374 (1966). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03342345
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03342345