Temporal dynamics of task switching and abstract-concept learning in pigeons

Abstract

The current study examined whether pigeons could learn to use abstract concepts as the basis for conditionally switching behavior as a function of time. Using a mid-session reversal task, experienced pigeons were trained to switch from matching-to-sample (MTS) to non-matching-to-sample (NMTS) conditional discriminations within a session. One group had prior training with MTS, while the other had prior training with NMTS. Over training, stimulus set size was progressively doubled from 3 to 6 to 12 stimuli to promote abstract concept development. Prior experience had an effect on the initial learning at each of the set sizes but by the end of training there were no group differences, as both groups showed similar within-session linear matching functions. After acquiring the 12-item set, abstract-concept learning was tested by placing novel stimuli at the beginning and end of a test session. Prior matching and non-matching experience affected transfer behavior. The matching experienced group transferred to novel stimuli in both the matching and non-matching portion of the sessions using a matching rule. The non-matching experienced group transferred to novel stimuli in both portions of the session using a non-matching rule. The representations used as the basis for mid-session reversal of the conditional discrimination behaviors and subsequent transfer behavior appears to have different temporal sources. The implications for the flexibility and organization of complex behaviors are considered.

The Organization of Behavior over Time: Insights from Mid-session Reversal

“…For pigeons, the results seem to indicate that temporal cues are the primary source of information for switching between the competing tasks, with use of this cue moderated by other factors like ITI length, stimulus dimension, and type of apparatus. Although several newer studies have illuminated how changes in task demands can modulate the degree of this temporal control (Daniel et al, 2015; McMillan et al, 2014; McMillan & Roberts, 2012; McMillan et al, 2016; Rayburn-Reeves, Laude, et al, 2013; Rayburn-Reeves et al, under review), it is unclear why time has such a powerful influence on this species. Humans, and perhaps all mammals, appear to be far less influenced by time and more likely to attend to recent outcomes in guiding their switching behavior (Rayburn-Reeves et al, 2011; Rayburn–Reeves, Stagner, et al, 2013; A.…”

“…Daniel, Cook, and Katz (2015), for instance, recently conducted an MSR experiment to examine whether pigeons could learn to conditionally switch behavior between two abstract concepts over a session. Pigeons were trained to switch from a matching-to-sample (MTS) to an oddity-from-sample (OFS) task within a session, similar to the procedure used by Cook and Rosen (2010).…”

It's All a Matter of Time: Interval Timing and Competition for Stimulus Control

“…This time-based explanation makes the midsession reversal procedure conceptually as well as procedurally similar to the free-operant psychophysical procedure (Stubbs, 1980). This procedure has been performed with conditional reversals in matching-to-sample/oddity-from-sample discrimination (Cook & Rosen, 2010;Daniel, Cook, & Katz, 2015), simultaneous discrimination (e.g., McMillan & Roberts, 2012;Rayburn-Reeves et al, 2011), and sequential go/no-go discrimination (McMillan, Sturdy, & Spetch, 2015). If all three procedures are compared based on choice accuracy, behavior looks highly similar (see Figure 1 can be robustly fit with a logistic function describing a gradual change in performance based on proximity to the reversal.…”

Kea (Nestor notabilis) show flexibility and individuality in within-session reversal learning tasks

“…Rayburn-Reeves et al 2011, 2013bMcMillan and Roberts 2012;McMillan et al 2016) and dogs (Laude et al 2016) usually exhibit reversal estimation. Pigeons were shown to use the time into the session Roberts 2012, 2015;Daniel et al 2015) rather than satiety levels (Cook and Rosen 2010) or the number of trials for their estimation (Rayburn-Reeves and Cook 2016). Tasks with a shifted reversal position (Rayburn-Reeves et al 2011, 2013aMcMillan et al 2014) were used to encourage, however insufficiently, the pigeons to switch to the use of the local information of reinforcement.…”