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SAGE Journal User Guide
Article 1
Summary:
This article describes how fear that is conditioned to one object generalizes to other similar or less similar objects. In particular, it focuses on fears that are learned to objects that are typical of a category (sparrow being a typical bird) versus fears that are learned to objects that are atypical of a category (penguin being an atypical bird).
Discussion Questions:
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Typicality asymmetry is a concept central to this paper about how humans make generalizations. After reading the description, give another example of typicality asymmetry that is not in the reading.
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What do the authors conclude about higher-order cognitive processes and generalization of conditioned fear?
Article 2
Krypotos, A.-M., Effting, M., Arnaudova, I., Kindt, M., & Beckers, T. (2014).
Acquisition, extinction, and renewal of avoidance tendencies toward conditioned fear stimuli. Clinical Psychological Science, 2, 336-343.
Summary:
This article addresses the relationship between Pavlovian conditioning and operant (instrumental) conditioning in producing avoidance to conditioned fear stimuli. The research examines the relationships between the two kinds of conditioning in producing fear. In two experiments they attempt to evaluate the possibility that avoidance can be produced without the involvement of operant conditioning.
Discussion Questions:
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How are Pavlovian and operant conditioning thought to contribute to avoidance?
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What do the authors conclude about the sufficiency of Pavlovian conditioning and avoidance?
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What aspects of the study limit the interpretation of the results?
