Auditory and autonomic tests of the preparatory-adaptive-response interpretation of classical aversive conditioning.

When noxious unavoidable events (e.g., shocks) are signalled (e.g., by a 5-sec. tone), it is widely believed that there is informational control (IC) in the sense that signalling reduces perceived event noxiousness; the IC mechanism arises through signal-elicited preparatory anticipatory responses which reduce event noxiousness; there is a prefere,nce for signalled over unsignalled events (preference for signalling). Since these beliefs, though related, are different, the relevant evidence from the Toronto laboratory is presented separately for each b e k f . That evidence, comprising studies published from 1970-1974 and some additional unpublished experiments, indicates: (a) no support for an IC mechanism in the electrodermal, plethysmographic, and cardiac response systems; (b) no support for IC itself with shocks and loud noises as noxious events; (c) no general preference-for-signalling (PFS) phsnomenon (assertion based on total of over 570 Ss); but (d) a recent but consistently emerging specific PFS which appears based on Ss' (false) beliefs in the benefits of signalling. There follow some methodological claims which partially integrate the Toronto studies with apparently conflicting evidence from other laboratories. Complete integration involving a statement of the conditions under which signalling has beneficial, detrimental and no effects is not yet possible because of the empirical complexity of the problem, a complexity which requires an investigative rather than a demonstrational experimental approach. To illustrate the apparent strength of the latter approach, some examples are given of the current strong but unjustifiable Zeitgeist in favour of such beliefs as the generality of the PFS phenomenon in humans. as the other participants to whom I am indebted for comments on that conference version which was prepared with the aid of C. X.Poulos. The evidence and ideas presented both in the conference version and in the present paper were developed in collaboration with the following colleagues and Manuscript Psychology, 1968, 20, 85-91. 66, 402-41 1. interval. SCkfZCe, 1962, 137, 665and time estimation in ratings chology, 1972, 96, 407-415.

show abstract

Auditory and autonomic tests of the preparatory-adaptive-response interpretation of classical aversive conditioning.

Cited by 2 publications

References 7 publications

Predictability And Human Stress: Toward A Clarification Of Evidence And Theory

Predictability And Human Stress: Toward A Clarification Of Evidence And Theory

An integrative progress report on informational control in humans: Some laboratory findings and methodological claims

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About