Observational learning in pigeons: The function of quality of observed performance in simultaneous discrimination

The present experiments investigated the role of quality of modeled performance on subsequent discrimination learning in pigeons and the function of observing a discriminating conspecific. Subjects either were exposed to the asymptotic performance of models proficient in a discrimination task (an erect vs. an inverted triangle) performing with few incorrect responses or observed the incremental performance of less proficient models with more error responding. Other groups of subjects in yoked compartments were exposed to pairings of stimulus and inaccessible grain at rates at which the respective models attained reinforcement. The results provide evidence for the beneficial effects of observing errors in performance; in addition, subjects exposed to apparatus operations in the absence of discriminating conspecifics appeared to benefit more from such observational experience than animals exposed to discriminating conspecifics.