Chpt. 5: Classical Conditioning: Underlying Processes & Practical Applications

stimulus-substitution theory

the CS acts as a substitute for a US

preparatory-response theory

the purpose of the CR is to prepare the organism for the presentation of the US

compensatory-response model

a CS that has been repeatedly associated with the primary response (a-process) to a US will eventually come to elicit a compensatory response (b-process)

rescorla-wagner theory

proposes that a given US can support only so much conditioning and this amt of conditioning must be distributed among the various CSs that are present

rescorla-wagner theory explanation for overshadowing

effect is that there is only so much association variable for conditioing

overexpectation effect

which is the decrease in the CR that occurs when 2 separately conditioned CSs are combined into a compound stimulus for further pairings w/ the US

rescorla-wagner theory for blocking

occurs bc the CS is the compound has already picked up all the available associative value

temperament

an individual’s level of emotional reactivity, which is to a large extent of genetically determined

preparedness

refers to an innate disposition to learn certain types of behaviors or certain types of associations more easily than others

incubation

refers to the strengthening of a conditioned fear response as a result of brief exposure to an aversive CS

selective sensitization

an increase in one’s reactivity to a potentially fearful stimulus following exposure to an unrelated stressful event

counterconditioning

a CS that elicits one types of response in associated w/ an event that elicits an incompatible response

reciprocal inhibition

the occurrence of one response can be inhibited by the occurrence of an incompatible response

systemic desensitization

behavioral treatment for phobias that involves pairing relaxation w/ succession of stimuli that elicits increasing levels of fear

what are the 3 pieces to teaching systematic desensitization

1. training in relaxation

2. creation of hierarchy of imaginary scenes that elicit progressively intense levels of fear

3. pairing of each item in the hierarchy w/ relaxation

flooding therapy

a behavioral treatment that involves prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus, providing maximal opportunity for conditioned fear response to be extinguished

what is imaginal flooding

the client is asked to visualize as clearly as possible a scenario involving the featured event

what is in vivo flooding

prolonged exposure to the actual feared event

aversion therapy

a treatment procedure that reduces the attractiveness of a desired event by associating it with an averse stimulus