Psychology Labs and Resources

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Department of Psychology

Delayed Matching to Sample

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Description

in The DMTS the participant is shown a sample stimulus and then, after a variable time, a pair of test stimuli and is asked to select the test stimulus that matches the earlier sample stimulus. Correct selection of the matching stimulus is reinforced. In zero-delay matching to sample, the test stimuli are presented as soon as the sample stimulus is removed. The task becomes more difficult as the delay interval between the two presentations increases.

Figure 1: A single trial in the DMTS
Figure to show a single trial in the experiment

Reference

Kangas, B. D., Berry, M.S., Branch, M.N. (2011). On the development and mechanics of delayed matching-to-sample performance. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour, 95(2):221-36.