Oddity and dimension-abstracted oddity: Developmental aspects and task differentiation

There has been considerable interest in oddity and dimension-abstracted oddity (DAO) tasks in recent years. These tasks have been used with a variety of primates including humans. In addition, there have been studies examining possible age related differences in childrens' abilities to perform these tasks. In all but one case the data are inconclusive due to the repeated presentation of the same stimulus choices which allows for the possible use of learning set or rote memorization. The present research employed a computer program which generated unique stimulus choices on each and every trial thus eliminating the possibility of the use of learning set or rote memorization. In addition, it allowed the researcher to relate the research to the learning/intelligence hierarchy proposed by Thomas (1980).; Experiment 1 used the three variables color, form, and size allowing for the formation of six different tasks based on the combination of constant, relevant, and ambiguous cues. The author hypothesized that the presence of an ambiguous cue (the identifying characteristic of a DAO task) would provide for a more difficult task. The subjects were six- and seven-year old children attending a local school. There were no significant differences between the two age groups with respect to any of the dependent variables. The DAO tasks were more difficult than the oddity tasks with respect to the mean trials to criterion and the mean percentage of correct responses.; Experiment 2 included number as a fourth variable thus allowing for the formation of ten tasks based on the combination of constant, relevant, and ambiguous cues. The subjects were college students attending the University of Georgia. Some of the DAO tasks were significantly more difficult than the oddity tasks but no pattern was discernible.; This research lays the groundwork for a variety of additional research employing the computer programs. The tasks that were used in experiment 2 could be used to further examine the abilities of children with respect to oddity and dimension-abstracted oddity tasks. There is evidence that ability to solve oddity and DAO tasks is related to other measures of intellectual ability. The computer programs can be used with a variety of non-human primates which might help to establish models for studying such questions as the evolutionary development and neurobiological correlates of cognitive abilities.