Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

5-26-1969

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to test the hypothesis that verbal labels, which are in some way representative of visual forms or portions of visual forms, will modify S's perception of those forms during a paired-associates predifferentiation task such that the Ss will tend to sample only those portions of the shape which are suggested by the verbal labels. Prior to the main experiment, the six random shapes used in this study were scaled in order to identify those specific line segments (aspects) of the shapes which were suggested by their respective verbal labels. This scaling procedure provided data which was used to divide each pretraining shape into two smaller shapes (substimuli) on the basis of their “representativeness” to the verbal labels. To test the hypothesis, independent groups of Ss were given various types and amounts of predifferentiation training which included labeling with representative labels (L) and observation practice (0). Two additional groups, which served as controls, received no pretraining (NPT) and post-training labeling (PL) practice. Following pretraining, all Ss were given a binocular rivalry transfer test in which each pretraining stimulus was divided into two “substimuli” [one relevant (RS) and another non-relevant (NRS) with respect to the label] which were presented simultaneously to S in a stereoscope. The logic of the design was that if Ss learned to perceive primarily the relevant stimulus aspects during training, this fact would be evident in transfer performance on the binocular rivalry test where L vs 0 comparisons or L vs PL comparisons were made. As predicted, the results indicated that L conditions led to more resolution of binocular rivalry in favor of relevant substimulus items than 0., NPT, or PL conditions. This result was present with all measures except latency, where the results, although in the right direction, were not statistically significant. Based on these results, the proposition that relevant verbal labels produce selective perception of the training stimuli during pretraining seems to be supported. It was, however, assumed that a mechanism of frequency-of-exposure (FOE) mediated the transfer to the binocular rivalry test. To check this assumption, 15 Ss were given either 0, 7, 14, 21, 35, or 70 exposures to each of the RS substimuli during the first task which was followed by a transfer task identical to that used in Exp. I. In general, the results indicated that resolution of binocular rivalry was an increasing, curvilinear function of FOE. Thus, the assumptions that were made in Exp. I appear to be sound. In summary, the data of this dissertation lend credence to hypotheses in the stimulus predifferentiation literature that verbal labels are capable of producing selective perception effects during pretraining.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Henry Carleton Ellis

Second Committee Member

Peder Jack Johnson

Third Committee Member

Frank Anderson Logan

Fourth Committee Member

David Theodore Benedetti

Fifth Committee Member

Stanley Stewart Newman

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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