Absolute and Differential Cuing of Successive Reversals

Successive reversals for a single pair of stimulus alternatives were signalled by means of a “differential” cuing method or 1 of 2 “absolute” cuing methods. Under differential cuing, there were 2 extra stimuli that corresponded to reversal and nonreversal, respectively. Under absolute cuing, there was only 1 extra stimulus, but its absence served as 1 signal and its presence served as another. Both possible ways of pairing presence vs absence with reversal vs nonreversal were studied. There were 30 human Ss divided equally among the 3 methods. Differential cuing was the most difficult method. Absolute cuing was least difficult when presence of the extra stimulus was coupled with reversal and absence of the extra stimulus with nonreversal.

Absolute and Differential Cuing of Successive Reversals Journal Articles