Lecture 3- Classical Conditioning Continued Flashcards
What did Moore find over time though?
Moore found that the more trials a rabbit was presented with, the better it got at discriminating between the stimuli. Therefore the process of discrimination occurred.
What does Moores 1972 study suggest about generalisation of classical conditioning?
Moores study features 16 rabbits who received a shock each time they were presented with a 1200 hz tone. Eye blinks were measured as response. They found that when the Stimuli were close to the 1200hz CS they elicited a CR similarly to the CS. The results produced a bell curve- 1200hz (CS) produced the highest CR and 800 hz and 1400hz produced similar CR’s. Moore’s study therefore suggested that generalisation does occur to some extent when stimuli are similar to the CS.
What’s the difference between research and theory?
Research tells you what occurs and theory explains why it occurs.
What are some general features of the Rescorla-Wagner model?
The level of Conditioning depends on the expected strength of the US had the actual strength of the US. Ps learn more when there is a discrepancy (surprise) between the two.
What is the main problem with the Rescorla - Wagner model? What two models attempt to explain this?
Has difficulty explaining latent inhibition as the model focuses on US not CS. MacKintosh and Pearce and Hall.
What is MacKintoshs predictiveness model?
MacKintoshs predictiveness model suggests that more attention is paid to those stimuli that predict an outcome than to stimuli who don’t predict an outcome.
What is Pearce and Halls Predictive Error theory?
They suggest that stimuli that aren’t predictive of an outcome will receive more attention then those who are predictive of an outcome.
Whose correct- mackintosh or Pearce and hall?
Both- data supports both these theories
How does taste aversion differ to standardised classical conditioning? Why so?
Taste aversion differs from standard classical conditioning in that it can be paired with an unpleasant experience once and a CR is elicited and it can happen over a long period of time (CS and US don’t have to immediately after to learn). Probably does so for evolutionary reasons so we don’t get sick and can avoid foods that make us sick
What is the Garcia Effect?
The Garcia effect says that some associations like taste aversion are learnt easier than others.
What does selgiman add from Garcia effect?
Selgiman suggests that prepared associations such as fast acquisition and slow extinction on some stimuli were evolutionary important so that we could quickly learn and avoid harmful situations.
Explain a study were an example of prepared associations are relevant when it comes to animals.
Participants were shown photos of fear evoking stimuli (spiders, snakes) and fear unevoking stimuli (butterfly’s, birds). Results indicated that acquisition was quicker in fear evoking stimuli and slower in fear unevoking stimuli. Furthermore, extinction was slower for the feared animals and quicker for the unfeared animals. Providing evidence for Seligams preparedness claim. (Garcia effect)
How does classical conditioning and the Garcia effect explain racial attitudes?
A study on racial attitudes finds that when members of the out group are presented acquisition is quicker than if members of an ingroup where shown. Furthermore, extinction of the out group was slower than the ingroup. These findings suggest that are evolutionarily designed to be more cautious of outgroups and preparedness of classical conditioning reflects this
What is Siegel et al (1982) hypothesis on heroin overdose death? (Using classical conditioning)
Siegel et al put forward that heroin users normally inject in similar environments and that overdose and death occurs when injection does not occur in these familiar environments. They suggest that the environment acts as a cue (CS) to when heroin (US) is being consumed and therefore the body prepares for the injection. But when an unfamiliar environment occurs the body does not prepare and overdose is more likely.
What empirical research supports Siegel et al theory?
Rats either where placed in room A or B when injected with heroin. (Placebo in both rooms). They were then administered higher doses in the same room or a different room to original injection. Results indicated that those who were placed in a different room for a higher dose of heroin had the higher morality rate. However, placebo rates at the highest morality rates (probably due to shock of such high doses)!
