To test attention, learning, and memory in pigeons, researchers use the following protocol. Subjects are trained with compound stimuli (/// on a red key, + on a green key, § on a blue key, and ≡ on an orange key); the /// red and § blue keys are rewarded, and the + green and ≡ orange keys are not. In the second phase, subjects' reaction times are tested to brief presentations of (1) first the symbol and then the colored key, or (2) no symbol and just the colored key. The subjects' task is to respond to the rewarded key colors and not respond to nonrewarded key colors. Researchers measure reaction times and response error rates to determine if the symbol cue helped subjects respond more quickly and accurately. This task is referred to as a _______ task.
A) divided attention
B) delayed matching-to-sample
C) matching-to-sample
D) priming

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This task is referred to as a priming task because it involves presenting a cue (the symbol) before the target stimulus (the colored key) to see if the cue influences the response to the target, which is characteristic of priming tasks.

To Test Attention, Learning, and Memory in Pigeons, Researchers Use