Ch 02 Introduction Etc_Learning Principles and Applications
Learning Objectives
Understand and discuss the Lorenz-Tinbergen model of instinctive behavior.
Describe the processes of habituation and sensitization.
Explain the phenomenon of dishabituation.
Discuss physiological changes in habituation, sensitization, and dishabituation.
Recall the opponent-process theory of emotion.
Explain the nature of the addictive process.
Introduction
Todd’s smoking habit is contextualized to explore learning processes.
Addiction is examined as a modification of instinctive and experiential behavior.
The Lorenz-Tinbergen Model of Instinctive Behavior
Instinctive Behavior: Behavior triggered by specific environmental cues.
Example: Graylag goose's egg-rolling behavior.
The goose retrieves its eggs through a series of instinctual movements.
The sign stimulus (egg) initiates the fixed action pattern (egg retrieval).
Interaction of Internal Pressure and Environmental Release
Action-Specific Energy: Internal motivation builds, prompting behavior towards a sign stimulus.
Innate Releasing Mechanism (IRM): Responds to the sign stimulus, facilitation of instinctive behaviors.
Appetitive Behavior: Motivational behavior directed toward the sign stimulus.
Habituation and Sensitization
Habituation: Decreased responsiveness to a repeated stimulus.
Example: Students become less anxious with repeated public speaking.
Sensitization: Increased responsiveness after experiencing a stimulus.
Example: A person grows more anxious after repeated failings in public speaking.
Ingestional Neophobia: Animal's initial avoidance of novel foods adapts to acceptance over time through habituation.
Habituation vs. Sensitization
Habituation helps filter out irrelevant stimuli while sensitization increases reactivity.
Variables Influencing Habituation/Sensitization:
Stimulus Intensity: Weaker stimuli habituate faster, while stronger stimuli enhance sensitization.
Frequency of Stimulus Presentation: More frequent presentations enhance both processes up to a point.
Dishabituation
Definition: Recovery of a habituated response due to a sensitizing stimulus.
Example: Habituation to a repeated sound might be interrupted by an unexpected loud noise.
Significance: Dishabituation indicates the responsiveness can be reinstated by novel, non-habituated stimuli.
Research Findings: Studies reveal that nonfood related stimuli can disrupt habituation.
Opponent-Process Theory of Emotion
Affective Reactions:
A State: Initial affective response (pleasurable or painful).
B State: Opponent reaction triggered after A state declines (opposite of A).
Transition implications for addiction; gradually increasing B state leads to tolerance.
Application to Addiction: The comfort from smoking cigarettes diminishes over time, while withdrawal symptoms (B state) intensify when the act is not performed.
The Addictive Process
Viewed as a response to manage uncomfortable withdrawal states (B state).
Understanding addiction as leaning towards substances to gain pleasurable A states while avoiding negative B states.
Key Findings:
Use of multiple drugs can influence withdrawal symptoms and craving dynamics.
Importance of recognizing withdrawal effects leads to motivational complexity in addiction.
Conclusion
Summary of Addiction Dynamics: An overview on how emotional processes and instinctual responses regulate behavior and modify individual experiences, particularly respecting addiction.
Understanding physiological and psychological interactions enriches the recognition of complex behaviors like smoking addiction and substance abuse.