Test Performance in Optional Shift and Configural Acquired Equivalence Are Positively Correlated

García, Sara Bru; George, David N; Robinson, Jasper

Abstract

In two experiments, participants completed two computer-based tasks: a configural acquired equivalence procedure and an optional-shift procedure. Both revealed that test performance was positively correlated, even when controlling for nonspecific variables. This finding supports the suggestion that a common mechanism underlies performance in both tasks. Experiment 2 included eye tracking to the stimuli used in the task. We found that participants who attended to the predictive compound elements in the optional-shift training went on to show stronger attentional-set effects in the subsequent test. The relationship between attention and performance is considered by reference to attentional and nonattentional learning theories.

Citation

García, S. B., George, D. N., & Robinson, J. (2024). Test Performance in Optional Shift and Configural Acquired Equivalence Are Positively Correlated. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Learning and Cognition, 50(4), 235-246. https://doi.org/10.1037/xan0000384

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 3, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-10
• Deposit Date: Jun 10, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 28, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Learning and Cognition
• Print ISSN: 2329-8456
• Electronic ISSN: 2329-8464
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 50
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 235-246
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/xan0000384
• Keywords: acquired equivalence, attentional set, discrimination learning, configural, optional shift
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/36004419
• Publisher URL: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-14850-001.html