Ch5 Rescorla-Wagner Theory

Raskorla-Wagner Theory

A comprehensive model explaining the principles of classical conditioning and its associated phenomena.

Asymptote in Conditioning

A point where the conditioned response reaches a peak and stabilizes, without further increase.

Associative Value

The limited potential of an unconditioned stimulus distributed among conditioned stimuli during conditioning.

Salience

The strength or importance of a stimulus in classical conditioning.

Delta V (ΔV)

The change in the strength of a conditioned stimulus association, calculated in the Raskorla-Wagner formula.

Blocking Phenomenon

A situation in which the presence of a previously conditioned stimulus inhibits conditioning of a new stimulus.

Overshadowing Phenomenon

Occurs when a more salient conditioned stimulus overshadows a less salient one in associating with an unconditioned stimulus.

Higher Order Conditioning

A form of conditioning where a neutral stimulus is conditioned to elicit a response by being associated with an already conditioned stimulus.

Over Expectation Effect

An effect where combining two conditioned stimuli leads to a reduction in their individual associative values.

Inflation and Deflation (US Revaluation)

The process where changes in the associative value of an unconditioned stimulus affect the conditioned response strength.

Contiguity Principle

The principle stating that stimuli must occur close together in time for conditioning to occur.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Generalization

The tendency for the conditioned response to be elicited by stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between the conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The process by which a conditioned response is weakened or eliminated by repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

Latent Inhibition

The phenomenon where familiarity with a stimulus slows down the conditioning process.

Taste Aversion Learning

A type of conditioning where an organism learns to associate the taste of a certain food with illness.