The effects of positive versus negative feedback on information-integration category learning

TitleThe effects of positive versus negative feedback on information-integration category learning
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsF Ashby, G., & O'Brien J. B.
JournalPerception & Psychophysics
Volume69
Issue6
Pagination865-878
Date Published2007 Aug
ISSN0031-5117
KeywordsAffect, Concept Formation, Feedback, Humans, Learning
Abstract

A number of studies have shown that in category learning, providing feedback about errors allows faster learning than providing feedback about correct responses. However, these previous studies used explicit, rule-based tasks in which the category structures could be separated by a simple rule that was easily verbalized. Here, the results of the first experiment known to compare the efficacy of positive versus negative feedback during information-integration category learning are reported. Information-integration tasks require participants to integrate perceptual information from incommensurable dimensions, and evidence suggests that optimal responding recruits procedural learning. The results show that although nearly all of the full-feedback control participants demonstrated information-integration learning, participants receiving either positive-only or negative-only feedback generally used explicit, rule-based strategies. It thus appears that, unlike rule-based learning, consistent information-integration learning requires full feedback. The theoretical implications of these findings for current models of information-integration learning are discussed.

Alternate JournalPercept Psychophys
PubMed ID18018967
Grant ListMH3760-2 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States