Date of Award
Summer 1972
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to lend support to either the one-trial or incremental theory of learning by examining the probability of correct responses as a function of prior stimulus exposure. Signal detection theory was employed as the method of analysis. Two experiments tested the theories in a verbal learning task and a psychomotor task. On each of three trials a list of 6 AB pairs or 6 AB distances was presented once, then one of these 6 pairs or distances was tested for recognition. On the recognition test either AB (a previously viewed pair or distance) or AX (a novel pair or distance) was presented; had to make a binary decision plus a confidence rating. Pairs and distances were the same for all three trials. From these data ROG curves were plotted which suggested support for both theories; however, no conclusive evidence appeared in either direction.
Recommended Citation
Hyams, James William, "One-trial versus incremental learning : a re-evaluation employing signal detection theory" (1972). Master's Theses. 361.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/361