The relationship between patterns of incorrect responses and enhanced discrimination-reversal learning in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Discrimination-reversal learning was assessed in nine rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) using an automated learning-set apparatus which permitted the measurement of learning-set skills and analysis of the patterns of incorrect responding. The three animals who attained the highest reversal scores (High) were compared with the three animals which had the lowest reversal scores (Low) with respect to the relative frequencies of errors involving either a single wrong response or more than one wrong response (2–9 consecutive errors). The groups did not differ from each other in acquisition, whereas in reversal the High Group made more errors involving a single incorrect response and fewer strings of consecutive errors. For the Low Group the relationship was reversed. These results suggest that the patterning of incorrect responses is an index of discrimination-reversal performance which may be useful in comparative studies of primate learning.