SERIAL REVERSAL TRAINING AND NONREVERSAL SHIFT LEARNING

In 3 groups with 20 rats each, the effect of serial reversal training on subsequent nonreversal shift (NRS) learning was examined. Although Ss showed significant serial reversal improvement, an NRS was not learned any faster after 10 reversals than after a single problem. More detailed analyses showed that serial reversal training reduced the number of errors at the outset of NRS learning caused by continued choice of the old S+. However, it increased both the residual number of trials required to learn the NRS problem and the number of systematic responses to the stimulus dimension relevant during reversal training but now irrelevant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.