Constant irrelevant cues and stimulus generalization in monkeys

Trained 14 jungle-born female pigtailed monkeys to criterion on 2 concurrently presented 4-choice object discriminations. In 1 problem form was relevant and color constant irrelevant; in the other, color was relevant and form constant irrelevant. Following training, Ss were given transfer tests with a 4-choice setting consisting of the 2 formerly rewarded objects, a 3rd object composed of the rewarded relevant features of the color and form discriminations, and a 4th object constructed from the 2 constant irrelevant color and form features. Ss consistently chose the previously rewarded objects during transfer, but of the new objects, almost always chose the object constructed of relevant features. A number of models for discrimination learning are considered in the light of these data. (17 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).