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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:34
Perceptual and Category Processing of the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis' Dimension of Human Likeness: Some Methodological Issues
Published on: June 3, 2013
Similarities and differences: Comment on Chan et al. (2021).
Peter M Jones1, Chris J Mitchell1, Andy J Wills1
1School of Psychology, University of Plymouth.
Summary
Two theories on causal learning are compared: Spicer et al.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Learning Theory
- Causal Inference
Background:
- Spicer et al. (2020) proposed theory protection explains causal learning when cue certainty is low.
- Chan et al. (2021) offer an alternative explanation using a modified Rescorla-Wagner learning model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast the theoretical approaches of Spicer et al. and Chan et al. regarding causal learning.
- To identify conceptual commonalities between the two seemingly different explanations of causal learning.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and comparison of two distinct theoretical frameworks for causal learning.
- Discussion of experimental paradigms to differentiate between the predictions of the two theories.
Main Results:
- Despite apparent differences, conceptual commonalities exist between the theory protection and modified Rescorla-Wagner accounts.
- The authors agree that future research should focus on experimental conditions where the theories yield divergent predictions.
Conclusions:
- Further empirical testing is necessary to resolve the debate between the two proposed mechanisms of causal learning.
- Identifying critical experimental scenarios is key to advancing the understanding of how individuals learn causal relationships.
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