To the right is a demonstration of compound samples (shape + color) and tests
for color used by Langley and Riley (1993). The sample is either a triangle or a
circle (as in the element shape tests) but it is colored either blue or green.
The pigeon’s task is to respond based only on color and not shape.
Consequently, the comparisons that were associated with the color samples in the
element matching phase are presented here.
To run the applet…
- Peck the white ready signal on the center key
- Now the sample is presented. It is a triangle or circle colored either
blue or green. Peck it once.
- You will recognize the comparisons as those presented after color samples
in the element task. One comparison is correct following a blue shape
(triangle or circle) and the other is correct following a green shape
(triangle or circle). A correct choice results in a food reward (the hopper
box turns yellow), and an incorrect choice results in a time out (the
intertrial interval)
- After the ITI, the ready signal appears again and a new trial is ready to
begin.