Emerging Responses in Rats: Evidence of Symmetry and Transitivity. Respuestas emergentes en ratas: Evidencia de simetría y transitividad.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of training on arbitrary relations between stimuli on conditional discrimination tasks in two albino rats. In a first experiment, subjects were exposed to conditional discrimination training in matching to sample with arbitrary relations, establishing a criterion of 90% accuracy in two consecutive sessions to advance to phase symmetry and transitivity tests. In the first experiment, none of the subjects reached the criterion of accuracy. In a second experiment was changed the response of discrimination required and the accuracy criteria established in the training phase to 75% in two consecutive sessions. In this condition the two subjects reached the criteria of accuracy and were evaluated transitive and symmetric response. In both subjects transitive responses are equal to or greater than 75%, and responses are symmetrical above 60%. Results are discussed in light of theories of linguistic requirements considered essential in the analysis of responses emerging.