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The two-test strategy in the study of inhibitory conditioning
1Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth 76129.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Animal Behavior Processes
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Determining stimulus inhibition requires careful control treatments. While two tests are common, a single retardation test with specific A+/AB- training offers the most reliable evidence of inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Learning and memory
Background:
- Two tests, summation and retardation, are commonly used to assess stimulus inhibition.
- The combination of these tests is believed to rule out alternative interpretations of inhibitory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the efficacy of summation and retardation tests in establishing stimulus inhibition.
- To determine the conditions under which these tests provide credible evidence of inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing literature on summation and retardation tests for stimulus inhibition.
- Analysis of control treatments used in experimental designs.
Main Results:
- Suitable control treatments are rarely employed in studies using these tests.
- Compelling evidence for stimulus inhibition is consequently rare in the literature.
- Retardation tests in conjunction with A+/AB- training provide the only current credible evidence of inhibition.
Conclusions:
- The choice of control treatments is critical for the validity of inhibition tests.
- A single, well-designed retardation test with appropriate controls (e.g., A+/AB- training) can be sufficient to demonstrate inhibition.
- Further research should focus on employing rigorous control conditions in inhibition paradigms.
