Classical Conditioning Theories, Phobias, and Behavioral Treatments

Vocabulary flashcards covering Rescorla-Wagner theory, models of classical conditioning, factors in phobic conditioning, and behavioral treatment procedures for phobias.

Rescorla-Wagner Theory

A theory of classical conditioning proposing that an unconditioned stimulus ($US$) can support only a specific maximum amount of conditioning, which must be distributed among the various conditioned stimuli ($CSs$).

Associative Value ($V$)

In the Rescorla-Wagner theory, the measure of strength of the association between a conditioned stimulus ($CS$) and an unconditioned stimulus ($US$), often quantified by the magnitude of the conditioned response.

Overshadowing

A phenomenon in compound stimulus conditioning where a more salient stimulus acquires most of the associative value, resulting in a strong $CR$, while the less salient stimulus acquires very little associative value.

Blocking

A conditioning phenomenon where prior conditioning to one stimulus prevents a secondary stimulus in a compound from acquiring associative value ($V=0$).

Overexpectation Effect

The decrease in the strength of a conditioned response ($CR$) that occurs when two separately conditioned stimuli ($CSs$) are combined into a compound stimulus for further pairings with the unconditioned stimulus ($US$).

Stimulus Substitution Theory

A theory of classical conditioning proposing that the conditioned stimulus ($CS$) acts as a substitute for the unconditioned stimulus ($US$).

Preparatory Response Theory

A theory of classical conditioning proposing that the purpose of the conditioned response ($CR$) is to prepare the organism for the presentation of the unconditioned stimulus ($US$).

Compensatory-Response Model

A model of conditioning in which a conditioned stimulus ($CS$) repeatedly associated with the primary response (a process) to the unconditioned stimulus ($US$) eventually elicits a compensatory response (b process).

Observational Learning

A factor in phobic conditioning where fear responses or phobias are acquired by observing a fearful reaction in others.

Temperament

An individual's level of emotional reactivity, including how quickly and strongly one reacts to external stimulation.

Preparedness

The innate tendency to learn certain types of behaviors or make certain types of associations more easily than others.

Incubation

The strengthening of a conditioned fear response resulting from brief or covert exposures to an aversive conditioned stimulus ($CS$).

Overt Behavior

Behavior that can be directly observed by another individual, such as pressing a lever, smiling, or frowning.

Covert Behavior

Behavior that can only be observed by the person performing it, also referred to as private behavior or internal events (e.g., feeling anxious, dreaming).

US Revaluation

The post-conditioning presentation of the unconditioned stimulus ($US$) at a different level of intensity, thereby altering the strength of response to a previously conditioned stimulus ($CS$).

Selective Sensitization

An increase in an individual's reactivity to a potentially fearful stimulus following exposure to an unrelated stressful event.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral treatment for phobias that involves pairing relaxation with a succession of stimuli that elicit increasing levels of fear.

Counterconditioning

A conditioning treatment where a conditioned stimulus ($CS$) that elicits one type of response is associated with an event that elicits an incompatible response.

Reciprocal Inhibition

The underlying process in counterconditioning wherein the occurrence of one response is inhibited by the occurrence of an incompatible response.

Flooding

A behavioral therapy involving prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus, providing maximal opportunity for the conditioned fear response to extinguish.

Imaginal Flooding

A flooding procedure in which the client is asked to visualize, as clearly as possible, a scenario involving the feared event.

In Vivo Flooding

A flooding procedure involving prolonged exposure to the actual feared event in real life.

Aversion Therapy

A treatment procedure designed to reduce the attractiveness of a desired problem behavior by associating it with an aversive stimulus.

Covert Sensitization

A variation of aversion therapy that is carried out using imaginal stimuli rather than real physical stimuli.

Little Peter Experiment

A landmark study by Cover Jones (1924) demonstrating counterconditioning, where a child's learned fear of rabbits was reduced by pairing exposure to the rabbit with a positive stimulus (eating snacks).