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Estes (l962) has stated that there may be as many outcomes in the evaluation of a learning experiment as there are changes in performance. Since performance is the basic datum from which learning is inferred, the question arises as to when a performance measure ceases to reflect performance, per se, and when it begins to reflect learning. This thesis is concerned with the above problem as it relates to one form of simple learning, viz., classical conditioning, and one response system, namely the galvanic skin response (GSR). The assessment of learning through classical conditioning of the GSR involves three related issues. [...]

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The present study investigated the neural mechanisms by which environmental stimuli guide conditioned behaviors in the amphetamine conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Systemically injected D1 and D2 dopamine antagonists blocked both acquisition and expression of the CPP: the selective D1 antagonist more effectively blocked expression than the D2 antagonists. The site of action of the antagonists on expression was the nucleus accumbens. Systemically injected reserpine, but not intra-accumbens a-MPT microinjections, also blocked the expression of the amphetamine CPP. Pre-conditioning and post-conditioning electrolytic or excitotoxic lesions of the lateral amygdaloid nucleus impaired the CPP. It was concluded that the effect of conditioned incentive stimuli is mediated by a neural system which involves the reserpine-sensitive dopamine pool and the D1 dopamine receptor in the nucleus accumbens and the lateral amygdaloid nucleus.

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The present paper explores vicarious emotional conditioning and some variables of dependency that may influence the rate of conditioning. Volunteer introductory psychology students were administered the Edwards Personality Preference Schedule using the deference and autonomy scales as criteria for classifying subjects as dependent or independent. Ten females and four males were randomly chosen for each group. All subjects underwent adaptation to a tone which served as a conditioned stimulus. Ten acquisition trials followed where each subject was exposed to witnessing an experimental stooge emiting pain cues to a fake shock. Six test trials were presented where the conditioned stimulus was presented alone. The measure of emotional reaction was the subject’s GSR. Mann-Whitney-U-Test was performed on the percent of GSRs elicited and a t-test on the GSR and BSR magnitude. The results indicated that dependent individuals elicited significantly more GSRs during the acquisition and test trials. No significant difference was found on GSR or BSR magnitudes. Possible relationships between introversion/extroversion and dependency/independency are presented and confounding variables are discussed.

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No description available.