Unblocking with Qualitative Change of Unconditioned Stimulus

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
James Denniston Ph.D., Associate Professor and Department Chairperson (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Conditioned barpress suppression was used to examine the effects of qualitative changes in the unconditioned stimulus (US) between Phases 1 and 2 of a blocking paradigm. In Phase 1, rats received pairings of a conditioned stimulus (CS) with footshock. In Phase 2, experimental subjects received a single trial of the same CS or a different CS compounded with a second stimulus and followed either by a footshock or an ice water dunking. These two USs were equated in their potential to elicit conditioned suppression of barpressing. Less blocking of the second stimulus (i.e., unblocking) was observed in subjects that received a qualitative change in US between phases than in subjects for which the US was consistent between phases. This unblocking effect is discussed with respect to the differences between various models of conditioning and several prior successes and failures to demonstrate unblocking.

Additional Information

Publication
Blaisdell, A. P., Denniston, J. C., & Miller, R. R. (1997). Unblocking with qualitative change of uncondtioned stimulus. Learning and Motivation, 28(2): 268-279. (May 1997) Published by Elsevier (ISSN: 1095-9122). DOI:10.1006/lmot.1996.0961
Language: English
Date: 1997

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