Abstract
This three-part study describes wavelength generalization gradients around a series of training wavelengths ranging from 480 to 645 om. Luminance was controlled for the pigeon’s spectral sensitivity. The response measure was probability of keypecking during a 2-sec stimulus presentation. Both an extinction procedure, where stimulus wavelengths occurred in 15-nm steps, and a maintained discrimination procedure, where step size was 2 to 4 nm, were used to obtain gradients. During a portion of the maintained discrimination procedure, new luminances were introduced, so that the effect of luminance level on gradient slope could be examined. Comparison of the resulting functions across training wavelengths revealed: (1) consistent differences in gradient slope in different spectral regions and (2) an increase in slope with luminance increase. The findings are related to recent electroretinographic wavelength contrast data and to psychophysical measures of wavelength discriminability.
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This research was supported in part by USPHS Grant MH 02456. The author is indebted to Donald Blough for his suggestions and comments and to Lynn Aikin. Patrick Mulvanny. Virginia Vaughan, and Dean Yager for their assistance in various phases of these experiments.
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Blough, P.M. Wavelength generalization and discrimination in the pigeon. Perception & Psychophysics 12, 342–348 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03207219
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03207219