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Necessary and sufficient factors in classical conditioning

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Abstract

The issue of necessary and sufficient factors (pairing-contiguity vs. contingency-correlation) in classical (Pavlovian) excitatory conditioning is examined: first, in terms of definitional (logical) and manipulational requirements of “necessary” and “sufficient”; second, in terms of Boolean logic test models indicating experimental and control manipulations in tests of pairing and contingency as necessary and sufficient factors; and, third, by a selective review of reference experiments showing appropriate experimental and control manipulations of pairing and contingency indicated in the Boolean logic test models. Results of examination show pairing-contiguity as the sole necessary and sufficient factor for excitatory conditioning, while contingency-correlation is conceptualized as a modulating factor controlling minimal-maximal effects of pairingcontiguity. Reservations and diagnostic experiments are indicated to assess effects of uncontrolled conditioned stimulus—unconditioned stimulus\((\overline {CS} - US)\) probability characteristics (e.g., p (CS ∩ US)/p\((\overline {CS} \cap US)\) in truly random (TR) schedule manipulations). Similar analysis of conditioned inhibition reveals insufficient evidence to support a choice among current alternatives.

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  1. Department of Physiology, Upstate Medical Center, SUNY, Syracuse, New York

    Ernest N. Damianopoulos

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Damianopoulos, E.N. Necessary and sufficient factors in classical conditioning. Pav. J. Biol. Sci. 17, 215–229 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03001277

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