Article
Repeated acquisition of response sequences: The analysis of behavior in transition

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Abstract

Repeated acquisition (RA) procedures are behavioral preparations in which subjects are required to learn new response sequences within each experimental session. Such procedures avoid problems inherent in nonRA learning procedures. For example, as the subject masters nonRA tasks, one begins to measure performance of a learned response rather than learning itself. Advantages to using RA procedures include (a) the strength of the within-subjects design, including the ability to establish dose effect curves within individual subjects; (b) the ability to assess learning phenomena over extended periods of time; (c) the ability to use chronic dosing regimens; and 9d) the ability to assess treatments with permanent or long-lasting effects. In addition, analysis of the response patterns committed during acquisition allows for a description of how behavioral strategies may change in response to experimental manipulation. Difficulties include the relatively long training period often preceding attainment of a stable baseline of acquisition. This review examines the history of RA paradigms, with an emphasis on procedural comparisons.

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    This article has been reviewed by the Health Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Agency nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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