Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Associative learning and the control of human dietary behavior
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK. Jeff.Brunstrom@Bristol.ac.uk
Abstract:
Most of our food likes and disliked are learned. Relevant forms of associative learning have been identified in animals. However, observations of the same associative processes are relatively scarce in humans. The first section of this paper outlines reasons why this might be the case. Emphasis is placed on recent research exploring individual differences and the importance or otherwise of hunger and contingency awareness. The second section briefly considers the effect of learning on meal size, and the author revisits the question of how learned associations might come to influence energy intake in humans.
Related Concept Videos
Associative Learning
Classical conditioning, also known...
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Regulation of Food Intake
Classical Conditioning
Ivan Pavlov observed that dogs salivated...
Classical Conditioning in Daily Life
John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner famously demonstrated the development of fear through classical conditioning in their experiment with Little Albert. They paired the...
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...

