Using the Rescola-Wagner formula, complete the tables below based on the scenario.
1. During week 1, we watch a video where a student classically conditioned his roommate to jump by pairing being shot with a toy dart gun to the sound effect “that was easy.” In this scenario the US is being hit with the dart. Assume that = 0.2 and = 1. Based on this fill out the chart below to model the learning curve of the roommate.
Trial # CS V V New V
start – – – 0
1 That was easy 0 0.2 1 .2 .2
2 That was easy .2 0.2 1 .16 .36
3That was easy0.21
4That was easy0.21
5That was easy0.21
6That was easy0.21
7That was easy0.21
8That was easy0.21
9That was easy0.21
10That was easy0.21
2. In a case of accidental classical conditioning, your cat has learned that when you get a spoon out of the silverware drawer, it means they will get their food. In this scenario the US is the sound of the spoon. Assume that = 0.4 and = 1. Based on this fill out the chart below to model the learning curve of your cat.
Trial # CS V V New V
start – – – 0
1 spoon 0 0.4 1 0.4 0.4
2 spoon 0.4 0.4 1 0.24 0.64
3spoon0.41
4spoon0.41
5spoon0.41
6spoon0.41
7spoon0.41
8spoon0.41
9spoon0.41
10spoon0.41
3. Based on your calculations, who was classically conditioned faster? Why do you think this individual learned faster? Compare the rates of acquisition graphically and describe. This requires you to create a graph based on your data in a spreadsheet program such as Excel. You should plot the change in V on the y-axis and trial number on the x-axis. Copy and paste your graph below and discuss.
4. Who would you predict would have this highest resistance to extinction? Using the Rescola-Wagner equation, demonstrate why you think that. Make a table similar to the one above and include your calculations. Then, after you make calculations using the R-W model graph your results and paste the graph below.
Trial # CS V V New V
Spoon with food (from trial 10 above)0.41
1Spoon w/o food0.40
2Spoon w/o food0.40
3Spoon w/o food0.40
4Spoon w/o food0.40
5Spoon w/o food0.40
6Spoon w/o food0.40
7Spoon w/o food0.40
8Spoon w/o food0.40
9Spoon w/o food0.40
10Spoon w/o food0.40
Trial # CS V V New V
That was easy with dart (from trial 10 above)0.21
1Easy w/o dart0.20
2Easy w/o dart0.20
3Easy w/o dart0.20
4Easy w/o dart0.20
5Easy w/o dart0.20
6Easy w/o dart0.20
7Easy w/o dart0.20
8Easy w/o dart0.20
9Easy w/o dart0.20
10Easy w/o dart0.20