Strategy Development and Feedback Processing During Complex Category Learning

Abstract

In this study, 38 young adults participated in a probabilistic A/B prototype category learning task under observational and feedback-based conditions. The study compared learning success (testing accuracy) and strategy use (multi-cue vs. single feature vs. random pattern) between training conditions. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P3a event related potentials were measured to explore the relationships between feedback processing and strategy use under a probabilistic paradigm. A greater number of participants were found to utilize an optimal, multi-cue strategy following feedback-based training than observational training, adding to the body of research suggesting that feedback can influence learning approach. There was a significant interaction between training phase and strategy on FRN amplitude. Specifically, participants who used a strategy in which category membership was determined by a single feature (single feature strategy) exhibited a significant decrease in FRN amplitude from early training to late training, perhaps due to reduced utilization of feedback or reduced prediction error. There were no significant main or interaction effects between valence, training phase, or strategy on P3a amplitude. Findings are consistent with prior research suggesting that learners vary in their approach to learning and that training method influences learning. Findings also suggest that measures of feedback processing during probabilistic category learning may reflect changes in feedback utilization and may further illuminate differences among individual learners.

The effect of feedback timing on category learning and feedback processing in younger and older adults

“…Prior to training, individuals were instructed to base their decisions on the overall appearance of each animal rather than on one or two features. Training consisted of 80 trials in each task which is sufficient for learning (see Zeithamova et al, 2008 ; Vallila-Rohter and Kiran, 2013 ; Tilton-Bolowsky et al, 2021 ). Of note, four participants completed 60 training trials due to a coding error.…”

“…Prototype A/B learning task category structure. Zeithamova et al, 2008;Vallila-Rohter and Kiran, 2013;Tilton-Bolowsky et al, 2021). Of note, four participants completed 60 training trials due to a coding error.…”