Cognitive Psychology Commons^™

Discrimination Reversal Learning In Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus Apella), Michael J. Beran, Emily D. Klein, Theodore A. Evans, Betty Chan, Timothy M. Flemming, Emily H. Harris, David A. Washburn, Duane M. Rumbaugh

Language Research Center

Learning styles in capuchin monkeys were assessed with a computerized reversal- learning task called the mediationaJ paradigm. First, monkeys were trained to respond with 90% accuracy on a two-choice discrimination (A+B-). Then the authors examined differences in performance on three different types of reversal trials (A-B+, A-C+, B+C-), each of which offered differing predictions for performance, depending on whether the monkeys were using associative cues or rule-based strategies. Performance indicated that the monkeys mainly learned to avoid the B stimulus during training, as the A-C+ condition produced the best performance levels. Therefore, negative stimuli showed greater control over responding after …