An analysis of sequential variables in Pavlovian conditioning
Abstract
Sequential theory's memory model of learning has been successfully applied in response contingent instrumental conditioning experiments (Capaldi, 1994a). However, it has not been systematically tested in non-response contingent Pavlovian conditioning experiments. This paper attempted to determine if sequential variables affect responding in Pavlovian as well as instrumental situations. The variables examined were N-length (the number of nonreinforced trials preceding a reinforced trial), NR transitions (when a nonreinforced trial is followed by a reinforced one), as well as patterned alternation in acquisition (where patterning behavior occurs in response to a series of alternating reinforced and nonreinforced trials), and the partial reinforcement effect (where a group given reward on all trials is generally less resistant to extinction than a group given reward on fewer than 100% of all trials). Experiment 1 dealt with the acquisition of patterned alternation, the partial reinforcement effect (PRE), and the N-length effect, where longer N-lengths produce greater resistance to extinction than shorter N-lengths, after 30 days of acquisition training. Experiment 2 examined the effects of NR transitions on resistance to extinction with one day of acquisition training. Experiment 3 examined magnitude of reinforcement effects on the resistance to extinction of N-lengths trained to be either similar to large reward groups or similar to small reward groups. On the whole, the results suggest that sequential variables do play a significant role in Pavlovian conditioning. Moreover, inasmuch as the theoretical difference between instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning has long been held to be the ease of producing the PRE in instrumental experiments and the difficulty in producing the PRE in Pavlovian experiments (Mackintosh, 1974), these results suggest that the two kinds of experiments, while different procedurally, are, from a theoretical viewpoint, similar.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Capaldi, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Psychology|Experiments
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.