Memory for empty time intervals in pigeons

Abstract

Pigeons were trained to discriminate short (2 sec) and long (8 sec) empty intervals that began each trial. In group consistent, onset of an empty interval was marked by a brief presentation of red keylight, and termination of the interval was marked by a brief presentation of green keylight. In group inconsistent, red and green served equally often as the first and second markers across trials. Testing revealed that, in group consistent, (1) birds were sensitive to the relation between marker color and marker type and (2) presentation of the second marker did not initiate timing a new interval. Testing also revealed a robust choose-long effect at delays longer than the training delay and indifference between the comparisons on no-sample trials. Both of the latter findings differ from those typically obtained when filled intervals are employed. It was concluded that pigeons process filled and empty intervals differently.