Implementation and recognition of novel negatively instructed stimulus-response rules.

ABSTRACT: Instruction-based learning (IBL) is an essential human skill, enabling flexible and efficient application of novel rules. Previous studies focused on instructions specifying affirmative (or positive) stimulus-response (S-R) rules (i.e., if condition A, then execute action X). Despite their frequent occurrence in our daily lives, negative instructions (i.e., if condition B, then do not execute action X but execute alternative action Y or Z) remain underrepresented in IBL research. In the present study, we conducted three experiments in order to assess the basic behavioral characteristics of this particular instruction type. Experiment 1 revealed reduced implementation efficiency relative to positive instructions as indicated by persistently prolonged response times, suggesting a continued i

SUBMITTER: Baumann AW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12664855 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature