Errorless Learning

Errorless Discrimination Learning

• response never occurs to S- ​

• different methods can be used, but all involve gradually changing stimulus control​

Consequences of Errors in Learning

Waste time, often one error leads to many (perseveration), emotional side effects

Fading

A method in errorless discrimination learning where new stimuli are gradually introduced while old stimuli are slowly faded out.

Delayed S-

A technique where an immediate positive stimulus (S+) is followed by a delayed negative stimulus (S-), facilitating clearer discrimination.

Brief S-

A method where the S- appears only briefly at first, gradually increasing its duration to strengthen learning.

Marsh & Johnson Study

An experiment that showed errorless learning resulted in difficulty reversing learned discriminations, while trial-and-error learning was more flexible.

Problems with Errorless Learning

Variable effectiveness based on stimulus control, potential for longer training time, decreased flexibility, and fostering intolerance for errors.

Pavlov's Experimental Neurosis

Occurs when stimuli (S+ and S-) are too similar, creating confusion and impossible discrimination.

What is a Concept?

A concept involves generalization (extending responses to similar stimuli) and discrimination (distinguishing between different stimuli).

Herrnstein's Experiment (1979)

Investigated if pigeons could learn the concept of 'tree', where they successfully discriminated pictures of trees from those without.