Attention & Associative Learning - Pearce-Hall theory (neuroscience)

focus of the theory

role of attention in learning, especially when outcomes are uncertain

key question

when do we pay attention to stimuli during learning

main principle

we attend more to uncertain or surprising stimuli

when does attention increase

when the outcome is unpredictable

associability (alpha)

amount of attention given to a stimulus

role of surprise

drives learning and attention

how does Pearce-Hall explain blocking

US is predicted, no surprise, low attention to new CS

when is new learning reduced

stimulus becomes unimportant

what is latent inhibition

slower learning after CS pre-exposure

how does Pearce-Hall explain latent inhibition

CS predicts nothing, becomes predictable, low attention