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Classical conditioning of meaning--I. A replication and higher-order extension
1Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458-5198.
Summary
Classical conditioning can alter word meanings, potentially aiding maladaptive association modification. While conditioning occurred for the primary stimulus (CS1), it did not extend to the secondary stimulus (CS2) in this study.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Meaning associated with verbal stimuli can be modified through classical conditioning.
- This principle has clinical applications for altering maladaptive associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate the Staats and Staats (1957) language conditioning effect.
- To investigate second-order classical conditioning (CS2 → CS1 → UCS) for modifying related maladaptive associations.
- To assess the generalizability of language conditioning.
Main Methods:
- Replication of a first-order language conditioning experiment.
- Implementation of a second-order conditioning paradigm where a second conditioned stimulus (CS2) was paired with the first conditioned stimulus (CS1).
- Measurement of conditioning effects, particularly noting subject awareness.
Main Results:
- Significant conditioning was observed for the primary conditioned stimulus (CS1).
- Conditioning to CS1 was more pronounced in subjects who were aware of the experimental contingencies.
- No significant conditioning was found for the secondary conditioned stimulus (CS2).
Conclusions:
- First-order language conditioning is replicable, especially with aware participants.
- Second-order classical conditioning of verbal stimuli was not demonstrated in this study.
- Simultaneous modification of multiple related maladaptive associations via higher-order conditioning remains an area for further investigation.