Chapter 10

Question 1

Negative reinforcement

Answer 1

Avoidance learning
Negative contingency
Increase in responding

Question 2

Positive punishment

Answer 2

Response leads to aversive outcome
Positive contingency
Decrease in responding

Question 3

Similarity between negative reinforcement and positive punishment

Answer 3

Subjects are changing how they respond to minimize exposure to the aversive stimulus

Question 4

What is the two-factor theory?

Answer 4

Two processes that underline avoidance learning
1. Classical conditioning of fear to signal
2. Operant response to escape the signal
-do not make response to avoid shock but to turn off stimulus associated with shock

Question 5

Miller Experiment

Answer 5

Evidence for two factor theory
If there are two factors then they should be able to be manipulated independently
Grp 1; white box shock - Grp 2; no training
Turn wheel to escape
Only grp 1 escaped (motivation)

Question 6

Kamin Experiment

Answer 6

Evidence against two factor theory
Blocking effect
Tone lever shit idk
Group 1 is constant Grp 2 and 3 some times Grp 4 never press

Question 7

What is the extinction problem

Answer 7

After avoidance learning is obtained,
Two factor would predict that the fear to signal would eventually extinguish, however the avoidance response never extinguishes

Question 8

What is the new theory

Answer 8

Avoidance training proced
A+ (tone ~ shock)
AX+ (tone ~ lever press ~ no shock)

Question 9

Avoidance learning
LH

Answer 9

Learned helplessness (LH)- prior exposure to inescapable aversive events prevents learning about escape when escape is now possible
There are deleterious consequences of long-term, uncontrollable, aversive events

Question 10

Seligman, Maier, and Overmeyer Experiment

Answer 10

Shuttle-box procedure
When tone plays move to other side of box
Grp 1:escapable shock - Grp 2: yoked group
Only group 1 learn to escape

Question 11

Characteristics of LH subjects

Answer 11

Associative defect
Motivational defect
Seem depressed, sickly, anxious

Question 12

Anxiety in rats with LH

Answer 12

​​​​LH rats show higher levels of anxiety on elevated plus maze and social interaction tests
​​​​Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) reduce LH
​​​​Give anxiety-producing drugs to rats – they show LH (even without any prior exposure to shock)
​​​​LH rats are more susceptible to developing tumors and have trouble fighting off disease.

Question 13

Therapy and immunization experiments for LH

Answer 13

​​​LH subjects can learn to escape shock if they are shown how to escape
Prior exposure to escapable shock protects subjects from developing LH later on

Question 14

Factors that affect punishment

Answer 14

1. Punishment results in a decrease in responding
2. Initial exposure to punishment determines responses to later punishment:
   ​​3. If the aversive stimulus is/is not presented contingent on the target response.
   ​4. Interval between target response and aversive stimulus.
   ​5. Differing schedules of punishment
   ​6. Whether “bad” behavior is otherwise reinforced in a positive fashion – it will reverse the effects.

Question 15

Species-specific defensive reaction theory

Answer 15

​​Premise 1: Aversive stimuli elicit innate, species-specific defensive responses (SSDRs)
​​Premise 2: Which SSDR is elicited depends on the situation and configuration of the environment.
​​Evidence: SSDRs are more easily learned in an avoidance paradigm than other behavioral responses.

Question 16

Predatory Imminence continuum theory

Answer 16

​​Premise 3: Which SSDR is elicited depends on the level of danger faced by the animal.
​​Premise 4: A signal (CS) associated with an aversive event (US) will elicit an SSDR
​​Prediction: The delay (time) between the CS and US will determine which SSDR will occur.