Search for stimulus class formation via repeated reversals procedure of matched simple discriminations in a capuchin monkey (Cebus apella)

Authors

  • Paulo Roney Kilpp Goulart
  • Olavo de Faria Galvão
  • Romariz da Silva Barros

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v7i1.3213

Keywords:

stimulus classes, repeated reversals of simple discriminations, Cebus apella

Abstract

Functional and equivalence classes are difficult to obtain for non-human subjects, but may reflect the same behavioral processes. The present paper explores a procedure of repeated reversals of simple discriminations (RRSD) to obtain a formation of functional classes in a capuchin monkey. Three experiments were carried out. Experiments 1 and 2 aimed at the establishment of functional classes via matched RRSD with three 2-stimulus sets. Performances in subsequent tests showed no evidence of stimulus-class formation. In Experiment 3, the number of stimulus sets presented in matched RRSD was reduced to two 2-stimulus sets instead of the former three. The results of the class formation tests were inconclusive. It is discussed that development of functional classes might have been prevented by the development of stimulus control topographies incoherent with those expected by the experimenter. This hypothesis is being investigated in current studies.

Keywords: stimulus classes; repeated reversals of simple discriminations; Cebus apella.

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How to Cite

Goulart, P. R. K., Galvão, O. de F., & Barros, R. da S. (2003). Search for stimulus class formation via repeated reversals procedure of matched simple discriminations in a capuchin monkey (Cebus apella). Interação Em Psicologia, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v7i1.3213

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2003)

Section

Articles

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