L&B: Ch 5 Pt 2Rescorla-Wagner Theory, Phobias, and Behavioral Treatments

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering classical conditioning principles from Chapter 5, including the Rescorla-Wagner model, theories of conditioning, factors influencing phobic acquisition, and behavioral treatment modalities.

Rescorla-Wagner Theory

A classical conditioning theory proposing that a given unconditioned stimulus ($\text{US}$) can support only a limited amount of conditioning (associative value), which must be distributed among the various conditioned stimuli ($\text{CSs}$) present.

Associative Value ($V$)

In the Rescorla-Wagner theory, the associative strength or conditioning power acquired by a conditioned stimulus in relationship to the unconditioned stimulus.

Overshadowing (Rescorla-Wagner Theory)

A conditioning phenomenon occurring with a compound stimulus where the more salient component acquires most of the available associative value, eliciting a strong conditioned response ($\text{CR}$), while the less salient component acquires very little associative value.

Blocking (Rescorla-Wagner Theory)

A phenomenon in which previous conditioning to one stimulus prevents conditioning to a second stimulus during compound pairings because the first stimulus has already acquired the maximum associative value ($\text{Max}$) supported by the $\text{US}$.

Overexpectation Effect

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

Stimulus Substitution Theory

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

Preparatory Response Theory

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

Compensatory-Response Model

A conditioning model in which a conditioned stimulus ($\text{CS}$) that has been repeatedly associated with the primary response ($a\text{-process}$) to the unconditioned stimulus ($\text{US}$) eventually comes to elicit a compensatory conditioned response ($b\text{-process}$).

Phobia

An extreme conditioned fear that typically requires only one pairing of a $\text{CS}$ with a $\text{US}$ to become established, often grows stronger over time, and frequently exists without the individual recalling the original conditioning event.

Observational Learning (Phobic Conditioning)

The acquisition of fear or phobias achieved by observing a fearful reaction in others, where the display of fear by others acts as an unconditioned stimulus ($\text{US}$) eliciting fear in oneself.

Temperament

An individual's innate level of emotional reactivity, determining how quickly and strongly they react to external stimulation.

Preparedness

The innate tendency to learn certain types of behaviors or make certain types of associations more easily than others (e.g., developing fears of snakes and spiders more readily than trees or flowers).

Incubation

The strengthening of a conditioned fear response resulting from brief exposures to an aversive conditioned stimulus ($\text{CS}$), contradicting the standard principles of extinction.

Overt Behavior

Behavior that can be directly observed and monitored by another individual (e.g., lever pressing, smiling, frowning).

Covert Behavior

Behavior that can only be perceived and observed by the person performing it; also known as private behavior or internal events (e.g., thinking, worrying, feeling anxious, dreaming).

US Revaluation

The process whereby post-conditioning exposure to an unconditioned stimulus ($\text{US}$) of a different intensity alters the strength of the conditioned response to a previously conditioned stimulus ($\text{CS}$).

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 pairs progressive relaxation training with a succession of imaginary scenes ($10\text{--}15$ hierarchy items) or stimuli that elicit increasing levels of fear.

Counterconditioning

A therapeutic procedure in which a conditioned stimulus ($\text{CS}$) that elicits an undesirable response is paired with an event that elicits an incompatible response (e.g., presenting a feared rabbit while eating snacks).

Reciprocal Inhibition

The underlying physiological mechanism of counterconditioning in which the occurrence of one response is actively inhibited by the occurrence of an incompatible response.

Flooding

A behavioral treatment for phobias involving prolonged, continuous exposure to a feared stimulus to provide maximal opportunity for the conditioned fear response to extinguish.

Imaginal Flooding

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

In Vivo Flooding

A variant of flooding therapy that involves prolonged, real-life exposure to the actual feared object or event.

Aversion Therapy

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

Covert Sensitization

Aversion therapy carried out using imaginal stimuli and mental visualizations rather than real, physical stimuli.