Choice-Sequence Patterns in Binary-Choice "Learning" by Retardates

Author(s):

Gerjuoy, Herbert; Gerjuoy, Irma R.

Publication Year:

1964

Report Number:

RB-64-15

Source:

ETS Research Bulletin

Document Type:

Report

Page Count:

19

Subject/Key Words:

Decision Making, Learning, Mental Retardation, Reinforcement

Abstract

Sixty-seven middle-grade and 53 high-grade retarded individuals were assigned to either control or experimental binary-choice-task groups. Control subjects were invariably reinforced, regardless of choice. Various response patterns were differentially reinforced for experimental subjects. Single alternation was overwhelmingly preferred, and there was little choice-sequence pattern variability. These results were attributed to a lowered tendency in retarded individuals to avoid long sequences of alternation responses.

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• http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/j.2333-8504.1964.tb00324.x