Configural learning in humans: The transverse patterning problem

Most learning theorists concur that some sort of configural representation system is required for animals to solve certain compound discriminations. Transverse patterning (A+ vs. B−, B+ vs. C−, C+ vs. A−) is one example of a problem that requires a configurai solution. It has been reported in the past that adult humans are unable to solve this problem (Berch & Israel, 1971; Franks, 1976). We investigated the generality of these reports. Moreover, we examined whether a stepwise approach to training this problem would facilitate learning and at what stage in training subjects adopt a configurai strategy. We found that college-aged adults had little difficulty solving the transverse patterning problem, and that their learning was greatly facilitated by using the stepwise approach described by Alvarado and Rudy (1989). Moreover, we found that subjects seem to adopt a configural strategy when faced with ambiguous stimulus pairs even when an elemental strategy would suffice. These results provide insight into how humans solve configurai problems and also suggest some direct tests of the role of the hippocampus in configural associations.