> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/procedure/experimental-conditions.md). # Experimental conditions {% tabs %} {% tab title="Location cue condition" %} In the location cue condition, subjects are presented with two three-dimensional objects constructed from Lego® or Duplo® bricks. The two objects are identical in surface area but differ in both shape and color. One object is positioned on the left side of the testing environment and the other is positioned on the right side, with the location of each specific object randomly varying across trials—with the constraint that any given object does not appear more than three consecutive times on the same side—to prevent the development of simple side biases (Figure 1). The subject must learn to associate reward delivery with one of the two locations (either left or right) regardless of which object occupies that location on any given trial. In other words, the relevant dimension for obtaining reward is location, while object identity (shape and color) is irrelevant. The rewarded side remains consistent for each individual subject throughout the acquisition phase and is then reversed in the reversal phase. The identity of the rewarded location is counterbalanced across subjects such that approximately half of the subjects at each testing site are rewarded for selecting one location (e.g., left) and the other half are rewarded for selecting the alternative side (e.g., right). {% endtab %} {% tab title="Shape cue condition" %} In the shape cue condition, subjects are presented with two three-dimensional objects constructed from Lego® or Duplo® bricks. The two objects are identical in surface area and color but differ in shape (see Figure 3 below). One object is positioned on the left side of the testing environment and the other is positioned on the right side. The left-right positioning of the two stimuli (i.e., which shape appears on the left vs. right) varies randomly across trials, with the constraint that the same spatial configuration does not occur more than three consecutive times. This randomization with constraint prevents the development of location-based response strategies while ensuring sufficient variability in stimulus presentation. The subject must learn to associate reward delivery with one specific shape independent of its spatial location. In other words, the relevant dimension for obtaining reward is shape identity, while location is irrelevant. The rewarded stimulus (S+) remains consistent for each individual subject throughout the acquisition phase and is then reversed in the reversal phase. The identity of the rewarded shape is counterbalanced across subjects such that approximately half of the subjects at each testing site are rewarded for selecting one shape (e.g., Shape A) and the other half are rewarded for selecting the alternative shape (e.g., Shape B).
{% hint style="info" %} Figure 3. Example of experimental setup for shape cue condition. The subject is tested in a familiar space, with trials taking place on a flat uniform surface. The stimuli consist of two Lego® brick objects that differ in shape but not color, and are both half the size of the subject. Stimuli are placed equidistance (approx. two body lengths) from the subject, one on the left (S+) and the other on the right (S−). Image credit: Ben Whittaker. {% endhint %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Color cue condition" %} In the color cue condition, subjects are presented with two three-dimensional objects constructed from Lego® or Duplo® bricks. The two objects are identical in surface area and shape but differ in color (see Figure 4 below). One object is positioned on the left side of the testing environment and the other is positioned on the right side. The left-right positioning of the two stimuli (i.e., which color appears on the left vs. right) varies randomly across trials, with the constraint that the same spatial configuration does not occur more than three consecutive times. This randomization with constraint prevents the development of location-based response strategies while ensuring sufficient variability in stimulus presentation. The subject must learn to associate reward delivery with one specific color independent of its location. In other words, the relevant dimension for obtaining reward is color identity, while location is irrelevant. The rewarded stimulus (S+) remains consistent for each individual subject throughout the acquisition phase and is then reversed in the reversal phase. The identity of the rewarded color is counterbalanced across subjects such that approximately half of the subjects at each testing site are rewarded for selecting one color (e.g., Color A) and the other half are rewarded for selecting the alternative color (e.g., Color B).
{% hint style="info" %} Figure 4. Example of experimental setup for color cue condition. The subject is tested in a familiar space, with trials taking place on a flat uniform surface. The stimuli consist of two Lego® brick objects that differ in color but not shape, and are both half the size of the subject. Stimuli are placed equidistance (approx. two body lengths) from the subject, one on the left (S+) and the other on the right (S−). Image credit: Ben Whittaker. {% endhint %} {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/procedure/experimental-conditions.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.