Conditions of Learning: S-S Learning Studies

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the shape of the learning curve in associative learning, as described by the Rescorla-Wagner model?

Gradually increasing and then plateauing

Gradual and negatively accelerated (correct)

Slowly decreasing and then leveling off

Rapidly increasing and then decelerating

In the context of Pavlovian conditioning, what is the phenomenon where a stronger stimulus overshadows a weaker stimulus in terms of associative learning?

Blocking

Overshadowing (correct)

Extinction

Sensitization

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?

No effect on learning of CS2

Impaired learning of CS2 (correct)

Extinction of CS2

Enhanced 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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the 'surprise value' of a stimulus in the Rescorla-Wagner model?

Informative value Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is challenged by sensory preconditioning experiments?

The idea that learning can only occur in the form of S-R associations Signup and view all the answers

What type of associative structure is involved in outcome-response learning?

O-R association Signup and view all the answers

What is demonstrated using Pavlovian instrumental transfer?

S-O-R association Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of extensive training or specific reinforcement protocols in terms of associative structures?

Bias towards S-R association Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the outcome devaluation procedure?

To distinguish between R-O and O-R associative structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which a stimulus is paired with a consequence?

Classical conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What type of associations are the basis of Goal Directed Behaviour?

Hierarchical relationships: S1—(R1O1); S2—(R1O2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for when learning does not result in a behavioural change?

Silent learning Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the law that states that conditioning depends on stimulus-response (S—R) associations?

Law of Effect Signup and view all the answers

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? Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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.