Sequence learning is fundamental to a wide range of cognitive functions. Explaining how sequences--and the relations between the elements they comprise--are learned is a fundamental challenge to cognitive science. However, although hundreds of articles addressing this question are published each year, the actual learning mechanisms involved in the…

Research supported by University of Massachusetts Faculty Research Grant, National Institute of Mental Health grant MH-03803-06, and National Science Foundation grant GS-386.

The purpose of these 2 experiments was to determine whether sequential response pattern behavior is affected by partial reinforcement in the same way as other behavior systems. The first experiment investigated the partial reinforcement extinction effects (PREE) in a sequential concept learning task where subjects were required to learn a…

This study tested the hypothesized relationship between overt sensorimotor ordering experiences and relational responding in preschool children. (Author/CS)

A study involving 60 blind children (in grades k-2) was conducted to validate the hypothesized order of a series of tactual discrimination tasks and to determine the grade level(s) at which most "normal blind" children successfully perform simple tactual discrimination tasks presented on the Optacon. (SBH)

Describes methods for item construction for computer-based instruction (CBI). Use of a rational set generator (RSG) in presenting an adaptive sequence of items to the learner is described; a model matrix of a computer-based RSG is presented; concrete and defined concepts are discussed; and rule using is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

THE EXTENT TO WHICH INCENTIVES INFLUENCE CHILDREN'S LEARNING WAS STUDIED BY INVESTIGATORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT. BOTH VERBAL AND MATERIAL REWARDS WERE OFFERED TO SELECTED GROUPS OF CHILDREN WHICH VARIED IN NUMBER FROM 48 TO 80 CHILDREN. A DIFFERENTIAL METHOD PERMITTED THE CHILDREN TO EXPLORE THE RANGE OF REWARDS SO THAT THE COMPARATIVE…

Auditory sequencing problems were seen as contributing heavily to neurologically involved children's language impairment, and several procedures for training auditory sequencing were explored. Five of the procedures were found to contribute considerably to an efficient and effective training program. These procedures included (1) the immediate…

Each of two experimenters taught one set of 32 prekindergarteners to discriminate four different letter combinations (R-P, Y-V, C-G, and K-X). Each set of children was randomly selected and assigned to two treatment conditions. The treatment consisted of three warm-up trials, 10 actual training trials, and four post-test trials on a…

A hypothesized hierarchy of tasks in the development of tactual discrimination (an essential skill for reading) was tested in 60 blind primary level children. For five braille and five Optacon (optical to tactile converter) sequences, Ss were asked to identify the different stimulus from the four presented. Scalogram analysis was used to examine…

The relationship between color cues, figure form, and size discrimination was investigated. Subjects were 28 kindergarten students selected at random from a lower socioeconomic elementary school and 28 grade-3 students from the same school. From a higher socioeconomic area school, 28 grade-3 students were selected. In addition, 12 slow readers in…

Provided in the second of two articles is further evidence of the validity of the author's sequence of tactual discrimination tasks for partial development of Optacon use readiness in young blind children. (IM)

Evaluated was the use of easy to hard visual discrimination vocational training procedures with 24 institutionalized trainable mentally retarded Ss (16-43 years old). (PT)

Using a conditioned suppression task, we investigated extinction and renewal of Pavlovian modulation in human sequential Feature Positive (FP) discrimination learning. In Experiment 1, in context a participants were first trained on two FP discriminations, X[right arrow]A+/A- and Y[right arrow]B+/B-. Extinction treatment was administered in the…