Studies // Cited work
A theory of Pavlovian conditioning: Variations in the effectiveness of reinforcement and nonreinforcement
Rescorla, R. A., & Wagner, A. H. (1972). A theory of Pavlovian conditioning: Variations in the effectiveness of reinforcement and nonreinforcement.
Level D Theory
What this study supports
Supports the statement that the model describes learning as an error-correcting update, in which each trial changes associative strength in proportion to the difference between what the outcome can support and what has already been learned. It concerns Pavlovian conditioning; applying its form to instrumental relief-seeking is an analogy. No abstract is available for this book chapter, so the appraisal rests on the standard description of the model.
- Who was studied
- Not applicable: a formal theory of Pavlovian conditioning, tested in animal learning experiments.
- Design
- Theory
- Level of evidence
- Cross-sectional, observational, qualitative work and narrative reviews.
Claims that rest on it
Each claim states what the site asserts, at what strength, and with what caveat.
The Rescorla–Wagner model describes learning as an error-correcting update: each trial changes associative strength in proportion to the gap between what the outcome can support and what has already been learned, so gains shrink as learning approaches its limit.
- Scope
- A formal model of Pavlovian conditioning.
- Caveat
- The relief-loop model borrows only the form of the update for an instrumental habit, which is an analogy; the original model has known failures that are not discussed here.
Last reviewed · Review due · rescorla-wagner-error-correction
If relief reinforces a behaviour on every episode while the cause of distress persists, a learning account predicts a growing tendency to repeat the behaviour alongside unchanged distress before each episode.
- Scope
- A theoretical consequence of negative reinforcement, illustrated in the relief-loop model.
- Caveat
- No cited study tested this loop for cathartic experiences; relief can also accompany steps that do change the cause.
Last reviewed · Review due · relief-habit-without-change-model