18 Questions
What is the shape of the learning curve in associative learning, as described by the Rescorla-Wagner model?
Gradual and negatively accelerated
In the context of Pavlovian conditioning, what is the phenomenon where a stronger stimulus overshadows a weaker stimulus in terms of associative learning?
Overshadowing
According to the Rescorla-Wagner model, what is the result of presenting a CS1-US pairing, followed by a CS1+CS2-US pairing, and then testing CS2?
Impaired learning of CS2
What is the term for the process by which a conditioned response is weakened or eliminated when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus?
Extinction
What is the term for the 'surprise value' of a stimulus in the Rescorla-Wagner model?
Informative value
In the context of the Rescorla-Wagner model, what is the term for the strengthening of an association between a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus through repeated co-presentation?
Classical conditioning
What is challenged by sensory preconditioning experiments?
The idea that learning can only occur in the form of S-R associations
What type of associative structure is involved in outcome-response learning?
O-R association
What is demonstrated using Pavlovian instrumental transfer?
S-O-R association
What is the outcome of extensive training or specific reinforcement protocols in terms of associative structures?
Bias towards S-R association
What is the purpose of the outcome devaluation procedure?
To distinguish between R-O and O-R associative structures
What is the term for the process by which a stimulus is paired with a consequence?
Classical conditioning
What type of associations are the basis of Goal Directed Behaviour?
Hierarchical relationships: S1—(R1O1); S2—(R1O2)
What is the term for when learning does not result in a behavioural change?
Silent learning
What is the name of the law that states that conditioning depends on stimulus-response (S—R) associations?
Law of Effect
What are the three questions that should be asked about any learning phenomenon, according to Robert A. Rescorla?
What is learned, how does learning affect behaviour, and what are the conditions that bring learning about?
What is the term for the process where a strong stimulus overshadows a weaker stimulus, leading to a decrease in the response to the weaker stimulus?
Overshadowing
What is the graph that shows the change in response rate over time, often used to measure the effectiveness of a learning procedure?
Learning curve
Study Notes
Associative Learning Theories: Rescorla-Wagner Model
- The Rescorla-Wagner model can explain basic Pavlovian phenomena, such as the shape of the learning curve, which is gradual and negatively accelerated.
- The model is based on the idea that learning occurs through the formation of associations between stimuli (S-S) and between stimuli and outcomes (S-O).
Pavlovian Phenomena
- Overshadowing: when one stimulus (e.g. light) is paired with a US (e.g. shock) and competes with a weaker stimulus (e.g. tone) for predictive value, the stronger stimulus will overshadow the weaker one.
- Blocking: when a stimulus (e.g. CS1) is paired with a US and then a new stimulus (e.g. CS2) is added, the new stimulus will not be learned if it is redundant (i.e. does not add new information).
- Extinction: the process of unlearning a previously learned association between a stimulus and a US.
Classical Conditioning
- The Rescorla-Wagner model proposes that classical conditioning occurs through the formation of associations between a CS (e.g. tone) and a US (e.g. food).
- The association is encoded in memory as V, the value of association between the CS and the US, which ranges from 0 to 1.
- The strength of the association (V) is influenced by the predictive value of the CS, the intensity of the US, and the contiguity of the CS and US.
Hierarchical Associations and Goal-Directed Behaviour
- Animals can encode hierarchical associations between stimuli, responses, and outcomes, such as S1—(R1→O1); S2—(R1→O2).
- These associations are the basis of goal-directed behaviour, which is modulated by discriminative stimuli.
- The three questions to be asked about any learning phenomenon are: what are the conditions that bring learning about, what is learned, and how does learning affect behaviour.
Conditions of Learning
- Learning can occur through the formation of S-S associations, S-R associations, and S-O-R associations.
- S-S learning studies, such as sensory preconditioning experiments, challenge the notion that learning can only occur in the form of S-R associations.
- Conditioning can result in the establishment of S-R associations, S-S associations, and O-R associations.
- The nature of the US, the nature of the CS, and the CS-US relationship can all influence the type of association formed.
Outcome-Response (Goal-Directed) Theory
- The outcome-response theory proposes that animals learn associations between outcomes and responses, rather than just between stimuli and responses.
- The theory suggests that animals use outcome information to guide their behaviour.
- The outcome devaluation procedure can be used to demonstrate the existence of O-R associations.
Discover the significance of S-S learning studies, including sensory preconditioning experiments that challenge traditional notions of learning. Explore the role of S-S associations, Outcome-Response, and Goal Directed Behaviour in understanding learning processes.
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