In Bower and Trabasso's study of blocking in humans, students were trained to categorize geometric figures based on shape. Blocking was demonstrated when the students could:
A) not use a redundant cue to classify a new figure.
B) not learn to categorize the figures based on shape.
C) use a redundant cue to classify a new figure.
D) learn to categorize the figures based on shape.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blocking occurs when a previously learned cue prevents the acquisition of a new cue. In this study, students who could not use a redundant (new) cue to classify a figure demonstrated blocking, as their learning was inhibited by the cue they had already learned.

In Bower and Trabasso's Study of Blocking in Humans, Students