Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effective use of the blank comparison procedure in simple discrimination by infant capuchin monkeys: A methodological note

Full text
Author(s):
de Oliveira Jimenez, Erika Larissa [1] ; de Faria Brino, Ana Leda [1] ; Kilpp Goulart, Paulo Roney [1] ; Galvao, Olavo de Faria [1] ; McIlvane, William J. [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Fed Univ Para UFPA, Grad Program Neurosci & Behav, Belem, Para - Brazil
[2] Univ Massachusetts, Med Sch, Amherst, MA 01003 - USA
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF THE EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR; v. 116, n. 3 OCT 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

In studies of simple and conditional discrimination, procedures are needed to measure those aspects of stimuli that control behavior. The blank comparison procedure is one such procedure. It was designed explicitly for assessing S+ and S- functions when discriminative stimuli are presented simultaneously. In this procedure, a neutral stimulus serves sometimes as S+ and sometimes as S-. Its discriminative function is defined in relation to other stimuli in the display. The present study aimed to prepare 2 infant female capuchin monkeys for the effective use of the blank comparison procedure in a simple discrimination task. First, simple discrimination training was applied up to a stable accuracy criterion of >= 90%. This training was followed by the replacement of S+ and then of S- stimuli with new stimuli. Ultimately, trials with the blank comparison were introduced. Following this sequence, both monkeys immediately displayed highly accurate blank-comparison performances without the need for stimulus control shaping or other preparatory discrimination training. Thus, this procedure sequence may be an efficient, effective method for establishing blank-comparison baselines for experimental analyses of S+/S- discriminative functions and perhaps for other applications in teaching simple and conditional discrimination performances to this species and others. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/57705-8 - Institute for the Study of Behavior, Cognition and Teaching
Grantee:Deisy das Graças de Souza
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants