Summation in causal learning: Elemental processing or configural generalization?

Abstract

Results from human causal learning tasks that employ multiple cues are often interpreted in terms of the elemental theory of Rescorla and Wagner (1972). However, most results can also be successfully interpreted by the configural model proposed by Pearce (1987, 1994). One method of discriminating between these alternatives is through an investigation of summation and overexpectation. Indeed, demonstrations of these phenomena are fundamental to an elemental approach but are generally incompatible with an account that involves configural processing. Using a procedure in which the magnitude of the outcome varied, evidence for both summation and overexpectation was obtained in two experiments.

This research was supported by a grant from the United Kingdom Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to the second author. The work is part of the programme of the ESRC Centre for Economic Learning and Social Evolution, UCL.