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A comparison of different methods of assessing patterns of responding in discrete trial choice procedures

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Conclusions

It is argued that the recently developed index of response repetition, P(rep), (Koek and Slangen 1983, 1984) has a major flaw, namely that it does not take into account the nature of the stimulus sequence employed in any given session. This could result in incorrect interpretation of results. as was borne out by consideration of actual drug data. The two new indices presented take stimulus sequence into account, and provide more accurate answers. Of the two, Index X appears to be more generally applicable, but Index B would be of use where only repetition strategies are to be studied.

Measures of accuracy, such as percent correct, together with Index X provide a comprehensive description of behaviour in discrete trial choice paradigms. The former enable an estimate of “sensitivity”, whereas the latter reflects aspects of the response strategies adopted.

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Author notes

  1. G. H. C. Clincke

    Present address: Department of Neuropharmacology, Janssen Pharmaceutica Research Laboratories, B-2340, Beerse, Belgium

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Neuroendocrinology Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, NE4 6BE, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

    A. Sahgal & G. H. C. Clincke

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  1. A. Sahgal
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  2. G. H. C. Clincke
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Sahgal, A., Clincke, G.H.C. A comparison of different methods of assessing patterns of responding in discrete trial choice procedures. Psychopharmacology 87, 374–377 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00432725

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00432725

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