Subjects' selection of feedback information in an inductive inference task.

Abstract

Lindberg, L-Å.,and Brehmer, B. Subjects' selection of feedback information in an inductive inference task. Umeå Psychological Reports No. 122, 1977. - Subjects' selection of outcome feedback instances in a probabilistic inference task with one linear and one nonlinear cue was investigated in a 2 (levels of task information: maximum vs. minimum) x 4 (blocks of trials) factorial experiment. Maximal information included the criterion distribution for each cue combination as well as aids for recording feedback instances, while minimal information consisted of standard instructions and no memory aids. Under both information conditions, subjects (1) examined one cue at a time, (2) gave priority to the more difficult quadratic cue, and (3) systematically changed their distribution and order of selections as a function of blocks.That is, subjects used the feedback infornation in a way that is not possible in the standard experimenter controlled reception paradigm. Furthermore, subjects made consequtive selections of the same cue combination more frequently in the maximum information condition that in the minimum information condition. These results are consistent with the assumptions that subjects under both conditions try to find the functional parameters of the task by means of a hypothesis testing activity, and that they learn to eliminate incorrect hypotheses with practice.

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