Abstract
The argument of the present paper is that attention theories (e.g., Sutherland & Mackintosh, 1972) make logically independent assumptions of selective attention and dimensional learning. The separability of these assumptions is illustrated by a model that assumes dimensional learning but no selective attention. The model successfully predicts the results of discriminative shift studies (e.g. ID vs ED shift comparisons) and supports the conclusion that a selective attention mechanism is not necessary to explain the results of such studies.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson, D.R. The effects of prior training on redundancy learning in children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. 1972, in press.
Bower, G. H., & Trabasso, T. Concept identification. In R. C. Atkinson (Ed.). Studies in mathematical psychology. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1964. Pp. 32–94.
Burke, C. J., & Estes, W. K. A component model for stimulus variables in discrimination learning. Psychometrika. 1957, 22. 133–145.
Eimas, P. D. Attentional processes in optional shift behavior. Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology. 1969. 69. 166–169.
Fisher, M. A. & Zeaman, D. An attention-retention theory of retardate discrimination learning. In N. R. Ellis (Ed.). International review of research in mental retardation. Vol. 8. New York: Academic Press. 1972.
Kemler, D. G. & Anderson. D. R. The breadth of attention in learning: A new one-look model. British Journal of Mathematical & Statistical Psychology. 1972, in press.
Kemler, D. G. & Shepp, B. E. Learning and transfer of dimensional relevance and irrelevance in children. Journal of Experimental Psychology. 1971. 90. 120–127.
Lovejov, E. Analysis of the overlearning reversal effect. Psychological Review. 1966, 73. 87–103.
Lovejov, E. Attention in discrimination learning. San Francisco: Holden-Day. 1968.
Luce, R. D. Individual choice behavior: A theoretical analysis. New York: Wiley. 1959.
Mackintosh, N. J. Comparative studies of reversal and probability learning: Rats, birds and fish. In R. M. Gilbert and N. S. Sutherland (Eds.). Animal discrimination learning. London: Academic Press. 1969.
Restle, F. The selection of strategies in cue learning. Psychological Review, 1962, 69. 11–19.
Shepp, B. E. & Eimas, P. D. Intradimensional and extradimensional shifts in the rat. Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology. 1964. 57. 357–361.
Shepp, B. E., & Howard, D.V. Are differential orienting responses necessary for dimensional learning and transfer? Journal of Experimental Psychology. 1973. in press.
Shepp, B. E. Kemler, D. G. & Anderson, D. R. Selective attention and the breadth of learning: An extension of the one-look model. Psychological Review. 1972. 79. 317–328.
Spence, K. W. The nature of discrimination learning in animals. Psychological Review. 1936. 43. 427–449.
Spiker, C.C. An extension of Hull-Spence discrimination learning theory. Psychological Reivew. 1970, 77. 496–515.
Sutherland, N. S. & Mackintosh, N. J. Mechanisms of animal discrimination learning. New York: Academic Press. 1971.
Trabasso, T. & Bower, G. H. Attention in learning. New York: Wiley. 1968.
Tennant, W. A., & Bitterman, M. E. Intradimensional and extradimenaional transfer in the goldfish. Paper presented at the Psychonomic Society Annual Meeting in St. Louis. Mo. November 1972.
Wolff, J. L. Concept-shift and discrimination-reversal learning in humans. Psychological Bulletin. 1967. 68. 369–408.
Zeaman, D. & House, B. J. The role of attention in retardate discrimination learning. In N. R. Ellis (Ed.). Handbook of mental deficiency: Psychological theory and research. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1963. Pp.159–223.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Preparation of this paper was supported by Research Grants HD 04320 and MH 16642 from the United States Public Health Service, awarded to the third author, and by Office of Education Grant OEG-1-71-0108 508. awarded to the first author.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Anderson, D.R., Kemler, D.G. & Shepp, B.E. Selective attention and dimensional learning: A logical analysis of two-stage attention theories. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 2, 273–275 (1973). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329269
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329269