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Artificial grammar learning in pigeons

Learning & Behavior volume 36, pages 116–137 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

In two experiments, we developed a new methodology for studying complex stimulus control by spatial sequences of letters generated by artificial grammars. An artificial grammar is a system of rules that defines which letter sequences or strings are “grammatical.” In Experiment 1, pigeons learned to respond differently to strings conforming to a grammar versus strings that were nongrammatical distortions. Several different criteria all suggested that performance was controlled both by some short chunks of strings shared between reinforced training strings and novel transfer strings and by more complex sequential regularities. In Experiment 2, pigeons quickly and accurately learned to respond differently to strings conforming to one or the other of two different artificial grammars. As in Experiment 1, performance was controlled both by some short chunks and by more complex sequential regularities. The results are interpreted in terms of family resemblance and pose new goals for theories of complex stimulus control.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington

    Walter T. Herbranson

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, Room 502, 84112-0251, Salt Lake City, UT

    Charles P. Shimp

Authors
  1. Walter T. Herbranson
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  2. Charles P. Shimp
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Charles P. Shimp.

Additional information

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Utah Research Committee and by an NRSA predoctoral fellowship. Some of the results are from the first author’s dissertation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a doctoral degree from the Department of Psychology, University of Utah (Herbranson, 2000). We thank Thane Fremouw, who graciously volunteered to help run birds and directed our attention to important relevant literature and who, along with Alyson Froehlich, provided comments on an earlier draft.

Note—This article was accepted by the previous editorial team, when Shepard Siegel was Editor.

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Herbranson, W.T., Shimp, C.P. Artificial grammar learning in pigeons. Learning & Behavior 36, 116–137 (2008). https://doi.org/10.3758/LB.36.2.116

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Keywords

  • Letter String
  • Transfer Test
  • String Length
  • Family Resemblance
  • Artificial Grammar